Thanks for all your support through 2007. It has been a pleasure to look after you all and the Alarm fan base continues to grow from strength to strength. Once again, we have attracted many new Alarm fans this year, who have recently re-discovered The Alarm as well as music fans learning of The Alarm for the very first time.
It is a very busy time of year for us, dealing with your orders and queries as well as a lot of behind-the-scenes work on the final chapter of the successful Counter Attack series, together with busy preparations for the ultimate Alarm weekend, The Gathering, which is only weeks away.
We will continued to dispatch packages all of the week up to Christmas and through the holidays.
If you want your package for Christmas, please be aware that the last day for UK postage is as follows:
Monday 17th December Second class Thursday 20th December First class Friday 21st December Special Delivery for Saturday Saturday 22nd December Special Delivery
All MPO packages are sent out second class so if you require first class or special delivery then extra postage charges will apply
For UK, Europe and Rest of the World, we will continue to dispatch packages throughout the holiday period.
The MPO Office reopens for telephone calls on Weds 2nd Jan 2008
We wish you a very Happy Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Peaceful and Healthy New Year.
See you at the Gathering!
Love and life,
MPO Team
Alarm Information Service Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571 Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577 Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk www.thealarm.com PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK
December 02, 2007 Mike Peters receives the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ award at this year’s Pop Factory Music Awards in Cardiff.
Mike Peters was awarded the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ accolade at The Pop Factory Music Awards on Thursday 29th November, at the Grand Hall, Cardiff. Mike received a standing ovation as he took to the stage to receive his award from the Head of the Pop Factory, Emyr Afan. Emyr Afan also paid tribute to Mike’s wife, Jules. A 3 minute video was shown, encapsulating Mike’s career from the 1970’s through to 2007. Mike was in good company with both the Stereophonics and the Manic St Preachers receiving awards.
The Pop Factory awards will be broadcast on Tues 4th December, 11pm on ITV Wales.
This year’s winners are . . .
Contribution to Music – Mike Peters Xfm Artist of the Year – The Wombats Best Live Act – Funeral for a Friend Best New Act – Kids in Glass Houses Rock ’n’ Roll Excess – Dirty Sanchez Best Welsh Language Act – Sibrydion Contribution to the Music Industry – Martin Hall Best Album – Pull The Pin by Stereophonics Best International Artist/Export – The Automatic Best Live Event – The Full Ponty Best Guestlist Performance – The Enemy Best Band – Manic Street Preachers
Voiceover to 3 minute Mike Peters’ video Mike Peters is lead singer of Welsh Rock and Roll band The Alarm. He is also a two times cancer survivor and founder member of the Love Hope Strength Foundation. He can also lay claim to holding the record for the world's highest concert when in October 2007 he lead a team of world re-knowned musicians to perform a unique concert above base camp Mount Everest at 18,500 feet.
His music roots are in the punk soundclash of the late 1970's. In 1976, he stared into the eyes of Johnny Rotten at an early Sex Pistols show in Chester and was inspired to start his first band The Toilets. Throughout 1977, the band ripped into the UK punk scene supporting both The Clash and the Buzzcocks before imploding into the Alarm in 1981. The Alarm have since scored 17 UK top 50 singles a host of successful albums and millions of record sales worldwide.
A Welsh band first and foremost, The Alarm made their name in America in early 1983 opening for Bono and U2 on their 'War Tour'. The Alarm scored their first hit overseas with 'The Stand', before similar success followed in the UK with their signature tune 'Sixty Eight Guns'.
Throughout the Eighties, The Alarm stayed at the top of their game, playing to 25,000 fans at the first ever live satellite broadcast from Los Angles in 1986, they also appeared at Wembley Stadium, London with Queen and were the first ever Welsh band to perform at Cardiff Arms Park in 1987.
The Alarm continued to gain increasing critical and artistic success in the USA touring with rock and roll beat poet Bob Dylan. Dylan (who took his surname from Welsh poet Dylan Thomas), would often invite Welshman Mike Peters on stage to sing 'Knocking On Heavens Door'.
In late 1989, another rock legend, the one and only Neil Young also joined Mike Peters and the Alarm on stage in New York to sing 'Rockin' In The Freeworld'.
The Alarm continued to create challenging and inspiring music into the new decade with the timeless 'A New South Wales', sung with the Morriston Orpheus Male Voice Choir in both English and Welsh.
Released as a double A-side, the record was also the first ever Welsh language song to make the UK Top 40.
With the release of the subsequent album 'Change' / 'Newid', the Alarm provided inspiration to a whole generation of Welsh bands to adopt a bi-lingual approach to music, opening up a way forward to the many that have since followed in The Alarm's footsteps.
1991's 'Raw', was the last record to feature the original line-up of the band who played a final show at Brixton Academy in June 1991. Since then, the band's legacy has been continued by Mike Peters whose solo' career began with the release of 'Breathe' in 1994 (which debuted at number 5 in the U.K. independent charts).
A second album, 'Feel Free' documented Mike Peters' first battle with cancer (Non Hodgkins Lymphoma). Rejecting conventional treatment, Mike Peters continued to tour and went to see a faith healer instead. Upon being told that 'green' was a powerful colour in his life, Mike Peters wore green combat fatigues every day (off stage and on), until he eventually went into spontaneous remission in 1997.
In recent times, Mike Peters has not only had to fight for his life but fight equally hard to keep his band The Alarm as current and up to date as possible. In 2000 he put a new version of The Alarm together with his current musical cohorts James Stevenson (Gen X) on guitar, bass guitarist Craig Adams (Sisters Of Mercy / The Mission) and Steve Grantley (Stiff Little Fingers) on drums. Beginning from less than zero, this new version of The Alarm has defied the odds and gone from strength to strength building a reputation for all out shows and confounding critics with new and challenging music. The seeds for this Alarm renaissance were sown in 2004 when The Alarm released the controversial '45 R.P.M.’ under the pseudonym 'The Poppy Fields' which entered the UK charts at number 27 and immediately became the subject of an international news story.
The furore centered around the fact that The Alarm's identity had been kept hidden from the media and instead a stand-in group of 18 year old musicians appeared in the video.
'45 R.P.M.' was played extensively throughout the UK and was championed by unsuspecting DJ's and critics as the first release by a brand new band. It was only after the song entered the charts that Mike Peters and The Alarm revealed the true identity of 'The Poppy Fields', thus causing a storm of worldwide media speculation. The band even featured on prime time America's CBS News with Dan Rather.
The band's most most recent chart success came from the album ‘Under Attack’ which opened up with the incendiary hit single ‘Superchannel’ which went top 30 in February 2006.
Another darker dimension was added to this already emotive Alarm record when Mike Peters was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL), just before it’s official release in December 2005.
Although devastated and reeling from the fact that he would have to undertake a heavy schedule of chemotherapy, Mike Peters vowed to carry out all his duties as front man of The Alarm. In between monthly chemo sessions he played every show booked in the UK and even managed two trips to the USA including a very emotional and uplifting performance at The Joey Ramone Lymphoma Research Benefit Concert in New York City. Whilst in New York Mike Peters received the news his family and Alarm fans worldwide had been hoping for when he was declared to be in remission.
Since then Mike Peters has formed his own cancer charity Love Hope Strength Foundation taking the fight against cancer to new heights. Throughout 2007, He has performed concerts on top of the Empire State Building, on the summit of Snowdon and more recently Everest Rocks, raising some £40,000 for local cancer centres in North wales and over $250,000 for the Nepal Cancer Relief Society.
In 2008, Mike Peters will continue to lead the Alarm on the 'Counter Attack' with a new album and world wide tour. Love Hope and Strength.
November 28, 2007 Latest MPO News
Mike and The Alarm 2007 next perform at Manchester Academy on December 1st. Mike and the band will be on stage approx 9pm. MPO has sold out of its ticket quota so please call 0161 832 1111
An MPO postcard has just been posted out announcing news of 2 brand new releases: Spirit of 86 on CD/DVD (£24.99 + £1 p and p) The Gathering 2007 DVD (£14.99 + £1 p and p). Buy these 2 items together and qualify for a free Mike Peters interview and performance CD from November 2007.
All orders are currently being processed and posted out. Due to unprecedented demand, this process is taking some time but it is expected that all current orders will be dispatched by the end of next week.
The Gathering approaches around the corner! Taking place on January 25th/26th 2008 at Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Few tickets remaining! £40 + £1 booking fee
Please keep in touch.
All the best,
MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK
November 23, 2007 The Alarm MMVII at Manchester Academy Saturday December 1st
MPO have sold out of their allocation of tickets for Manchester so please call 0161 832 1111 or www.ticketline.co.uk
Running times:
Doors 7.30pm Support 8pm (30 mins) The Alarm MMVII 9pm Curfew 11pm
November 23, 2007 A Message from James Stevenson
Hi Everybody. Just wanted to let you all know I finally have my own website up and running - http://www.jamesstevenson.info. It is being updated all the time but for those who want to take a look it is live now. Loads of stuff about my guitar collection for those interested and my 30 years in the rock and roll jungle! Also I'm sure, like me, you'd all like to welcome Mike back after his momentous adventure on Everest (does the man ever take a break!!) and to let you know we're all very much looking forward to the gig at Manchester Academy on Saturday December 1st. Hope to see you all there. James
November 16, 2007 The Alarm - Spirit Of '86 Concert DVD/THE ALARM MMVII LIVE FROM THE GATHERING 2007
[Region Free DVD plays in all territories - UK, USA, Europe, Asia, Australasia]
The long awaited release date for The Alarm - Spirit Of '86 DVD has finally arrived!
The Alarm - Spirit Of '86 Concert - The legendary live worldwide broadcast was first recorded in front of 25,000 Alarm fans at UCLA in Los Angeles on the 12th April 1986and transmitted via a historic first-ever satellite transmission to millions of homes around the globe.
Previously only ever available in the immediate aftermath of the concert, the original video was subsequently withdrawn at the request of the band (who were unhappy with the original unmixed sound quality), and has been out of print for over twenty years.
The Alarm - Spirit Of '86 concert is now available as a special Collectors' DVD / CD Digipak featuring a massive amount of content that took Mike Peters the best part of a decadeto assemble, afterrelentlesslysearching for and eventually finding the original master tapes, through the Capitol Records / MTV / Alarm archives.
The Alarm - Spirit Of '86 concertfeaturesa complete digital restoration of the original footage re-edited and enhanced into a modern 16:9 widescreen format plus a complete remix of the concert audio into both stereo and 5:1 formats by Mike Peters.
The Special Edition Collectors Digipak also includes afull colour 12 page '85/86 Tour Programme' booklet andalso includes separate audio CD of the complete concert featuring for the first time ever the previously unreleased and legendary 'lost' encore, 'We Are The Light'.
Special features include a previously unseen 1986 interview with Mike Peters and guitarist Dave Sharp plus original MTV concert trailer and backstage feature, the Strength album TV advert and all Strength album UK / USA videos together with previously unseen footage of The Alarm in concert at Rutgers University, New Jersey on March 11th 1986. The Spirit of '86 DVD also includes a restoration feature including a brand new interview with Mike Peters.
Included on the Spirit of '86 DVD is a special alternative acoustic concert soundtrack recorded by Mike Peters that has been synched to the original footage, providing a unique perspective on this historic Alarm performance.
Individual audio commentaries from all the original group members plus Alarm manager Ian Wilson provide a fascinating insight into the inner workings and dynamic of the band during this period in time.
The complete Spirit Of '86 concert features the following songs: Declaration / Marching On / Howling Wind / Knife Edge / Blaze Of Glory / Absolute Reality / Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke? / Walk Forever By My Side / Spirit Of '76 / Sixty Eight Guns / Strength / Knocking On Heaven's Door / We Are The Light
Orders to be dispatched from November 21st 2007
How to order:
Spirit of 86 UK 24.99 + 1 p and p Europe 24.99 + 2 p and p USA/Rest of World $45 + $5 p and p
*** SPECIAL OFFER*** Buy this item together with 'The Alarm MMVII Live From The Gathering 2007' DVD, or 'The Counter Attack Collective', or any of the other 21st Century CD / DVD releasesand receive an exclusive free 'Mike Peters In Session 2007' CD(featuring brand new interview recorded with Mike Peters in November2007, together with exclusive Mike Peters acoustic performances).
THE ALARM MMVII LIVE FROM THE GATHERING 2007
Buy Here [Region Free DVD plays in all territories - UK, USA, Europe, Asia, Australasia]
ELECTRIC 27th January 2007
The complete Gathering 2007 electric experience captured for the first time ever on one DVD. Over three hours of music (48 Tracks) including all the action from what many fans have described as one of the greatest Mike Peters / Alarm gigs of all time. Just read the review/set list below to see why. It's all here. A multi-camera shoot presented in glorious widescreen with Mike Peters and The Alarm MMVII captured from every conceivable angle. All the emotion of the concert itself, right through to the the awesome punk rock medley and still-anthemic 'Spirit Of '76'.
The Gathering 2007 DVD also features the best of the Friday night Mike Peters' acoustic set.
GATHERING 2007 REVIEW
It was the greatest Mike Peters / Alarm concert ever and we didn't see it coming. From the opening salvo of 'Superchannel', the sonic assault that followed was simply awesome. 'Rescue Me' and a monumental 'Without A Fight' brought up the second wave of the assault and battery, completed by a devastating 'Coming Home'.The Alarm MMVII, coming through, loud and clear.
'Raindown' was slick, cool and professional as each member of the band displayed courage under fire. 'Sold Me Down The River' rocked hard, allowing guitarist James Stevenson to stamp his authority all over the proto-blues riff. 'Be Still' and'Right Back Where I Started From' were both played with authority as Mike Peters emotionally sang "Sometimes you've got to stop breathing just to stay alive". 'It's Alright / It's O.K.' and'Breathe' followedwith the refrain being picked out by a totally engaged audience.
'Rain In The Summertime' segued perfectly into '21st Century' which began with the tumbling rhythm of Steve Grantley's drums and Craig Adams' deep bass rumble. The audience had their part to play too, as Mike Peters and James Stevenson launched the guitar riffs left and right of centre.As the song began to fade, Mike Peters strummed the intro to 'Drunk And Disorderly' - a serious slice of rock and roll by anyone's standards.
Theacoustic section that followed provided a refreshing change of tempo and feel and as the classic Alarm red poppy was projected on the backdrop, the band celebrated the 25 years since it's first appearance on the 'Marching On' single release by performing an acoustic / electric version of the very same song.'Deeside Town', 'Unsafe Building', 'Something's Got To Give'. 'Knife Edge', 'I Never Left I Only Went Away', 'Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke?', 'Cease And Desist', '68 Guns' and 'My Town' took us to the first encore of 'This Is The Way We Are','Absolute Reality' and 'Blaze Of Glory'.
The Alarm MMVII appeared for a second encore, blasting into the most amazing and unexpected punk rock medley'. '45 RPM' , 'Blitzkreig Bop', 'Anarchy In The U.K.', 'I'm So Bored With The USA', 'Alternative Ulster' and (I kid you not) a thumping version of Sham 69's 'If The Kids Are United' before returning to '45 RPM' and finally bringing the house down with an electric 'Spirit Of '76'.
SUPERCHANNEL /RESCUE ME /WITHOUT A FIGHT /COMING HOME /RAINDOWN /SOLD ME DOWN THE RIVER /BE STILL /RIGHT BACK WHERE I STARTED FROM /ITS ALRIGHT / ITS O.K. /BREATHE /RAIN IN THE SUMMERTIME /INTO THE 21ST CENTURY /THE DRUNK AND THE DISORDERLY /THE STAND /BOUND FOR GLORY /RISE /MARCHING ON /DEESIDE /UNSAFE BUILDING /SOMETHINGS GOT TO GIVE /KNIFE EDGE /I NEVER LEFT I ONLY WENT AWAY /WHERE WERE YOU HIDING? /CEASE AND DESIST /68GUNS /MY TOWN /THIS IS THE WAY WE ARE /ABSOLUTE REALITY /BLAZE OF GLORY /45 R.P.M. /BLITZKREIG BOP /ANARCHY IN THE U.K. /IM SO BORED WITH THE USA /ALTERNATIVE ULSTER /RIGHT TO WORK /IF THE KIDS ARE UNITED /45 R.P.M. (REPRISE) /SPIRIT OF '76
SPECIAL FEATURE GATHERING ACOUSTIC SET
WITHOUT A FIGHT /THE DECEIVER /UP FOR MURDER /SIXTY EIGHT GUNS /WALK FOREVER BY MY SIDE /BACK INTO THE SYSTEM /THE MESSAGE /THIS IS LIFE [GET USED TO IT] /MAGGIE MAY / MAGGIE'S FARM
Orders to be dispatched from November 21st 2007
How to order:
Gathering DVD UK14.99 + 1 p and p Europe 14.99 + 2 p and p USA/Rest of World $25 + $5 p and p
*** SPECIAL OFFER*** Buy this item together with 'The Alarm - Spirit Of '86' DVD, or 'The Counter Attack Collective', or any of the other 21st Century CD / DVD releases and receive an exclusive free 'Mike Peters In Session 2007' CD(featuring brand new interview recorded with Mike Peters in November2007, together with exclusive Mike Peters acoustic performances).
November 15, 2007 News bulletin - Counter Attack!
MPO is pleased to announce the tracklisting for ‘1983/84 Revisited’, the penultimate Counter Attack Collective mini album which will be released around the time of the Manchester Academy show on December 1st. Songs are as follows:
Reveille 1983/84 War Song Badge of Honour For the Faithful
To avoid confusion and to set the record straight in light of recent www.thealarm.com message board comments, the final album in the ‘Counter Attack Collective’ will feature all brand new material that has not featured on any of the previous Counter Attack releases.
The ‘Counter Attack Collective’ is a totally original piece of work that once completed will feature over 50 brand new titles. Each release contains and will contain a classic Alarm mix of brand new Mike Peters songs both acoustic and electric, short and long, just as there was on The Alarm’s classic debut release ‘Declaration’ back in 1984. (In case anyone has forgotten, both the songs ‘Declaration’ and ‘The Stand (Prophecy)’ are approximately 60 seconds in duration and although short, ‘Declaration’ as an album would not be the same without them).
The final release from the ‘Counter Attack Collective’ will be a full length album and will be released sometime in in January 2008.
PS For ‘badges’ news, all good things come to those who wait.
MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK
November 09, 2007 Counter Attack - Call To Action
The latest and fifth installment from the Counter Attack Collective -'Call To Action' is in the air as we speak and should be landing in your vicinity any minute now.
EP5 is entitled 'Call To Action' and features the following tracklisting:
01 Call To Action 02 The Infomercial 03 Higher Call 04 Rat Trap 05 Into The Light 06 The Dub Police
Mike Peters and The Alarm MMVII will be at Shepherds Bush Empire in London on Saturday 10th November and will hit the stage at 9.00 p.m.
To order the Counter Attack Collective please visit http://www.thealarm.com or email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk or call +44 (0)1745 571571 How to order: UK £49.99 +£5 p and p EC £49.99 +£7 p and p USA $100 +$10 p and p ---------------------------------------------
Webmaster Note:
This is another stunning entry in the series. While there are a couple good "punk" tunes again ("Call to Action" and a dub version of "Thought Police") it's the unique tunes that take this one. "Higher Call" is a bit of cross between "Be Still" and "The Drunk And Disorderly", and it may be the most memorable track in the entire collection so-far. More surprising is "Rat Trap" which is sort of a cousin to "Economic Pressure" from #4, but also sounds like a album track from the "Declaration" era. Especially take notice to the sharp base lines and guitar lead. Both songs stick with you long after you hear them for the first time. Stunning.
-Steve
November 07, 2007 Mike and The Alarm 2007 hit London town this Saturday 10th November 2007
Doors 7pm The Alarm 2007 on stage approx 8.45 to 11pm
Have a great show!
All MPO’s allocation of London tickets are sold out so please call 0870 771 2000
November 04, 2007 Mike Peters awarded Honorary Fellowship November 1st
MORE than 1,000 delighted university students will be celebrating making the grade when Wrexham's NEWI holds its annual graduation ceremony today and tomorrow.
It will be smiles all round as the students, dressed in their caps and gowns, flock to the William Aston Hall for the hour and a half ceremony where friends and family can watch them receive the certificates that highlight their achievements.
NEWI is awarding seven honorary fellowships this year to leading members of the community.
Mike Peters, frontman of The Alarm, will be honoured for his outstanding work in the community.
The Prestatyn-born rock star, who still lives in North Wales, has carried out extensive work for charities.
Mr Peters, in remission from chronic lymphocytic leukaemia since 2006, continues to be actively involved in fundraising and is a founder of the Love Hope Strength Foundation, an organisation which aims to provide funding for cancer research projects and build a support network for cancer patients worldwide.
John Kenworthy, headteacher of St Joseph's Catholic High School, will receive an honorary fellowship in the morning ceremony in recognition of his commitment to and his achievements in secondary education and faith schools in Wrexham and Wales.
Dr Roy Bichan will also receive an honorary fellowship tomorrow afternoon for his contribution to industry in North Wales. He is currently chairman of executive search company KMC International.
Professor Mike Scott, principal and chief executive of NEWI, said that all three had made tremendous contributions in their respective fields.
He said: "As the leading higher education provider in North East Wales, NEWI is committed to recognising the outstanding contributions made by those who live and work in the area. We're delighted to honour these three individuals for their incredible commitment, hard work and dedication in their respective fields."
For the first time the ceremonies will be presided over by Lord Barry Jones who was recently made President of NEWI.
Check out and interview with Eddie and Jerry Ewing of Classic Rock and and Q magazine. On air 12pm to 3pm. If you have any questions please forward them to jerryewing@totalrock.com
Plus, see Eddie an his band Westway To The Clash with Dave Sharp opening this Friday at the Half Moon, Herne Hill, London.
October 25, 2007 Everest Rocks Results To Date !!
There has been a tremendous amount of coverage to date re: the concert atop base camp. Here are the topline most exciting hits to date:
1. USA Today -- on the front cover of the Life section on 10/22 and online at USATODAY.com
2. Associated Press - we were able to work with the writer of the first AP story to write another one. This story has been everywhere from the China Post to the International Herald Tribune to Yahoo! News. It has seen a lot of nice pick up - probably one of the reasons the web site everestrocks.com went down temporarily.
3. Associated Press TV - they were able to use the footage we sent and put together a package that was distributed across the globe. In the US and Canada, initial tracking reports indicate that the story was picked up in 32 markets(!!), including major cities: Chicago, Houston, Memphis, Buffalo, Toronto, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Miami, and Denver! This syndicated story reached close to 1 million people They, too, will be doing another story once the team gets down from the mountain.
4. Voice of America - ran a syndicated story that is distributed to their 40+ language services for their radio programs, and the producer also forwarded the information and links to other colleagues in the radio and TV divisions.
5. Sky News -- ran a story on Monday, October 22 during primetime using the still photos.
6. BBC Radio 5 live - have interviewed Mike Peters on two separate occasions.
7. BBC World Service - set to interview Mike this week.
8. Metro Magazine ran two separate articles across the UK.
9. Featured on TV Good Morning America
10 Featured on Wales TV news programme Wales Today plus all Welsh newspapers
11. FRONT PAGE OF MSNBC's MUSIC HOME PAGE: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032433/
12. VOA just added story to today's (Tuesday's) "Daily Download" which is their daily podcast -- highlighted on the bottom left corner of VOA's home page. http://www.voanews.com/english/portal.cfm
October 22, 2007 World's Highest Blog, Oct. 21, 2007
October 21, 2007
It was a day for heroes. Everest, Sagarmata, Chomolumyo whatever name she is given or by whatever faith the mountain answers to seems to control everything around here.
Last night she sent a snow storm to test our resolve. She even spoke to Ade (our guide), to get us all out of bed at the unholy hour of 6.00 am. to further test our resolve.
She also sent one of the most beautiful days the Himalaya has known. I got this from no less an authority than Alan (Sir Alan Of Hobson) Hobson who has not only summitted our elusive friend Everest ,but been turned back by her also, and not just once, but twice.
There is no failure in the mountain. We are at the mercy of the Himalaya itself, the mountains decide who shall or shalt not pass.
Today she allowed our Love Hope Strength team / family / band to look at her charms from 18.540 feet and to share with her some of our humble songs and to break the record for the world¹s highest concert on land. (Glenn Tilbrook also took the record for the world¹s highest duck walk).
Sacrifices have been made all through the team to get this far, not just by those that made it, but by those that stayed behind so that others may triumph.
We have all come through this beautiful experience together, and we as a collective have been able to show the world that cancer can be beaten.
We are all helping to build a world class cancer centre in Bhaktapur so that the beautiful Nepalese people (who have played such a vital part in our dream), can have access to the same treatments that have enabled people like myself and the other cancer survivors here to come through diagnosis, treatment, recovery and now enlightenment.
It is our role as a foundation to keep the fight going to make sure not only people but governments sit up and take notice. We will.
On the mountain today, Alan Hobson told me that when he was diagnosed with Leukaemia, he called his local cancer support network and asked them the question most people want to ask when they get sick. ³How many people survive this kind of cancer?¹ They could only tell him how many people Œdie¹ from cancer.
We, as a foundation, are dedicated to changing that. Now is the time to tell the world about how many people survive, that is why have we all climbed our personal Everest and gone to the summit of Kala Patthar, here to Gorak Shep or down below in Namche Bazaar.
Because of the publicity, the TV camera, the website, the podcasts, the videos and every single upward step taken by each and everyone of the LOVE HOPE STRENGTH 38Š. the world is sitting up and taking noticeŠŠŠ if this is what we have to do to get the message across to the world then let¹s do it again. I am proud to have walked with every single one of you and I would hope to walk with you again in the future. Let¹s go home!!!
Mike Peters Love Hope Strength October 21, 2007
Kala Patthar, Nepal 18,540 ft, 5,650 m PS we are struggling for enough power at 16,000 feet to get the computers working so we are a day behind on podcasts. They will be up in 24 hours!! Thanks for tuning in!
October 22, 2007 Jules blog: Mon Oct 22nd Two Front Teeth
(read more of Jules blog here: http://mikerockseverest.welshblogs.co.uk/ It was going to be a crazy day - I just could sense it! The story of Mike performing the highest gig in the world was just about hitting the news wires and by the time I had dropped Dylan off at school (discussing Alun the bear's travels with Dylan's teacher on the way) my blackberry was buzzing! I love days like this. It's such an adrenaline rush, following up leads and trying to maximise every moment. I hadn't heard from Mike since early Sunday morning. The line had gone dead. The website www.everestrocks.com was silent. I had no idea what Mike’s circumstances were. I rushed to the office with Evan in tow and began making calls and firing off emails. In America, news of Mike’s concert had hit the front page of Life section of USA Today! Tomorrow, rumour has it that TV show Good Morning America will cover Everest Rocks. Here in the UK, Radio 5 Live called me to try and arrange a telephone conversation with Mike. The calls went back and forth until we decided to hold off and try again tomorrow. Even the British Armed Forces Radio called for an interview and by early afternoon, I received an email to say that Sky news were keen to speak with Mike. I managed to get hold of Mike at Base Camp and by the time he had said “Hello Dylan, Hello Evan” we lost the contact again. Sky news wasn’t able to make contact but nevertheless ran a feature at 4.30pm showing stills from the Everest Rocks website. It looked very poignant and luckily I was able to catch it on TV live. It was a chaotic moment with the children running riot, Dylan kissing the TV, phones ringing, emails pinging... Back at home, Wales Today rounded up the programme with a similar news piece to Sky News and I finished up my day emailing and calling as many people as possible to spread the word. Our national Welsh paper was keen to run a big piece tomorrow and download photos of Mike on top of the world with Alun the bear in tow! Unbelievably www.everestrocks.com had crashed under the force of hits and finally after a lot of scraping around I was able to lay my hands on a couple of Base Camp concert photos and email them direct to the journalist, Roland Hughes. Fingers crossed, in time for publication and hot off the press tomorrow. The best thing about days like this is the team work. Everyone working together to a common cause. Humanity at its best. I’m still working away right now but it’s all worth it. Mike and I have arranged to attempt a phone call tomorrow at 10am and I already have half a dozen phone interviews set up for him. Katrina (Love Hope Strength UK PR) and I have even planned a day of interviews for Mike on Halloween once he has landed at Heathrow airport! Whilst the crazy day was spiralling I was lucky enough to have Dylan and Evan sharing in the moment. As Mike smiled down from the TV screen, I noticed a speck of white as Evan beamed back at his virtual Daddy. In the two weeks since Daddy had been away, I realised that Evan is now the proud owner of two front teeth! Time for Daddy to come home. As Mike said in his last daily blog “the world is sitting up and taking notice……… if this is what we have to do to get the message across to the world then let’s do it again. I am proud to have walked with every single one of you and I would hope to walk with you again in the future. Let’s go home!!!” Indeed. Come home soon, Daddy. We miss you! Posted by Jules Peters on October 22, 2007 9:37 PM
October 21, 2007 If have not been, you should be folliwong the Everest Trek!
This is Steve, the webmaster wit ha bit onf an editorial here. I just wanted to say that, if you have not been following the Mt. Everest trip at http://lovehopestrength.com/everest/day-twelve/ you have been missing A LOT!
The trek is getting close to Everst Base-Camp, and every day seems to bring amazing adventures. Below is a note from Mike Peters from the 19th:
Note from Mike Peters: I am writing this in the common room of the lodge before heading for bed, the mountain is alive with anticipation of our trek and word goes out before us. I will finish tonight with a note that was literally just handed to me seconds ago by a trekker from another party that just happens to be staying in our lodge in Dingboche tonight. “My name is Juan. I’m from Uruguay, a small but beautiful country in South America. My father died 25 years ago. He had cancer. I was planning my trekking to Everest Base Camp since February. I don’t know why, but I planned to be there on October 21st, and I didn’t know about your challenge. Now I know why I decided to be at Everest base Camp on that date. It was a message from my father. He sent it to me to say to all of you THANK YOU! And to say to all of the people who suffer by cancer FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT.”- Juan
It's official! They did it! Via a scrambled few seconds phone call between Mike Peters and wife Jules, Mike shouted via his satellite phone : 'We have just played the highest gig in the world"
"Mike sounded elated and breathless" said Jules. " I'm so delighted for Mike and the Everest Rocks Team. I didn't have a chance to speak at length. Within seconds, the line was dead and I haven't heard anything further."
More information to follow from the Everest Rocks Team as soon as they resume power!
October 19, 2007 PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DEDICATION FLAG APPEAL WILL CLOSE ON SATURDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2007
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DEDICATION FLAG APPEAL WILL CLOSE ON SATURDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2007 so please hurry up and make your pledge before the appeal closes.
The chance to speak to Mike Peters will also close on Saturday, 20 October 2007. Due to communications problems the conversation may not take place at base camp.
October 16, 2007 Mike Peters - World's Highest Blog - Daily Post North Wales
Mike Peters - World's Highest Blog - Daily Post North Wales
Mike Peters has been invited to write the world's highest daily blog for the Daily Post. Real all about his intimate feelings about being away from home and heading towards performing the highest concert in the world! here...
October 15, 2007 Twenty One Days: Mike Rocks Everest
Holding my breath in Wales - an introduction by Jules Peters
Mike’s wife, Jules has been invited by the Western Mail /IC Wales to write a daily blog about her Everest Rocks experience. Whilst Mike is away for 21 days in Nepal, Jules is holding the fort back home...
Twenty One Days: Mike Rocks Everest Holding my breath in Wales - an introduction by Jules Peters
My name is Jules Peters and I'm married to rock musician, Mike Peters of The Alarm. I manage Mike and all things Alarm-related. Mike and I have been together for almost 21 years and together we have shared the most amazing life. We’ve had our ups and downs and emerged all the stronger for it. Mike is a two-times cancer survivor (most recently in December 2005 when our life fell apart temporarily, after Mike was diganosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (or CLL for short).
We have two sons, Dylan (aged 3.5) and Evan (aged 9 months), both born after four gruelling rounds of IVF (due to my fertility problems, not Mike’s cancer). Mike is now in remission. As a way of thanking his medical staff and inspiring others that cancer does not have to be a death sentence, Mike decided that he wanted to climb a mountain. This is how Everest Rocks came about.
As I write, Mike is about to arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal for an amazing adventure and to attempt the highest concert in the world, all on behalf of his charity foundation, Love Hope Strength. www.everestrocks.com Meanwhile, I’m at home in Wales, holding the fort. This is our story...
Due to logistics reasons the first six songs to be recorded will be as follows:
1 Walk Forever - 10 votes 2 Breathe - 6 votes 3 Strength - 4 votes 4 The Stand - 4 votes 5 Spirit of 76 - 4 votes 6 Deeside - 4 votes
However, there are still over ten songs yet to be decided!!!!!
So hurray up with your vote if you haven’t done so already for this exclusive opportunity and to have your name on the credits of the Everest Rocks album.
To make your donation please visit www.justgiving.com/lhsfdedication
HIGHEST BID/HIGHEST TELEPHONE CALL
YOUR CHANCE TO SPEAK TO MIKE PETERS AT BASE CAMP
The person who donates the highest bid on any of the dedication flag or dedication CD website will have the unique once in a lifetime opportunity to speak to Mike Peters at Base Camp Everest (conditions allowing).
Currently the highest bid is standing at £77 - can you top that and make the highest bid for one of the highest telephone calls!
October 04, 2007 Everest Rocks - WRITE YOUR NAME IN HISTORY : Everest Rocks - VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE ALARM/MIKE PETERS SONG
Everest Rocks - WRITE YOUR NAME IN HISTORY
In just under ten days, Mike Peters will venture to Everest in Nepal to help raise funds for the fight against cancer on behalf of the Love Hope Strength Foundation. In doing so, he will climb to 5,500 meters and hopefully claim the record for the World's Highest Gig.... Mike is calling on Alarm fans worldwide to do what they can to support him in this massive challenge..... In return for a small donation to the cause. Mike is offering to take your name (or the name of your loved one), which will be handwritten onto a Nepalese prayer flag to the World's highest gig............
*************************************** Everest Rocks - VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE ALARM/MIKE PETERS SONG TO BE RECORDED DURING EVEREST ROCKS
Mike is also asking for fans to vote for the top twenty Alarm songs that Mike should perform along the way to the Highest Gig....... Mike will attempt to record the most voted for songs in order to produce a commemorative CD documenting this historic event which will be released as soon as possible after his homecoming on 31 October 2007.
Along with being able to vote for your favourite song your name will also feature on the credits of the Everest album.
Website for Wales Today, BBC Wales' flagship television news programme. ... Join the team as they bring you news from across Wales every weekday night. ...
Mike Peters and Family featured on Wales Today, today October Weds 3rd ... Please visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/walestoday/ for TV news timings today.
October 03, 2007 Counter Attack Latest - Situation Under Control
The fourth installment in the Counter Attack Collective is arriving in your letter boxes even as you are reading this message….
'Situation Under Control' is the title of this latest mini album of original material from Mike Peters and The Alarm MMVII and features the following song titles:
01 The Checkout 02 Situation Under Control 03 Change III 04 Milk And Opportunity 05 Plastic Carrier Bags 06 Economic Pressure
A concept video for the song 'Plastic Carrier Bags' is available for viewing now at www.thealarm.com
October 02, 2007 Mike Peters gets in shape for gig on Everest Sep 27 2007 by
FINAL steps in preparation for singer Mike Peters¹ gig at the top of the world were made yesterday.
The Alarm frontman will sing in a fund-raising gig on Everest next month and become the world¹s highest blogger for the Daily Post at the same time. The concert, which will be the world¹s highest-ever gig, will take place around October 20.
However, he has had to endure strenuous physical tests to ensure he is fit enough for the 14-day trek and concert.
The last of those took place yesterday in a fitness test at Newi College in Wrexham, and Mike took the opportunity to discuss the adventure.
The event is the third this year held for his Love Hope Strength Foundation, set up after he twice overcame cancer.
The foundation aims to raise awareness of, and money for, causes fighting cancer across the world and in North Wales.
Everest is the third concert this year, after similar events at the top of the Empire State Building in New York and on the summit of Snowdon.
Mike is also taking a leaf out of Wayne Rooney¹s book to prepare for reaching Everest¹s base camp at 5,600 metres.
Mike, of Dyserth, near Prestatyn, said: ³I¹ve been training at the Altitude Centre in London and one of the companies that sponsors us gave me an oxygen tent, like Rooney used to help him get over injury.
³It¹s helping me get used to different levels of oxygen, so I¹m sleeping in that for the next two weeks, as well as working out.
³Hopefully, that will take pressure off my natural need to acclimatise once I get there.²
Mike flies to Nepal on October 10, before starting the trek up to Everest three days later.
While trekking to base camp, at five times Snowdon¹s height, Mike will be writing a daily blog for the Daily Post. The concert will also be broadcast live on our website.
Mike said: ³It¹s going to be hard work and there is going to be real altitude pressure. That is something you cannot determine before you go. ³The slower we will take the pace, the more chance we will have to acclimatise and the less we will have to draw on our reserves.²
To follow Mike¹s progress, and to help sponsor him, go to www.everestrocks.com.
Unfortunately due to unforseen circumstances, the concert in Newcastle on Saturday 6th October has had to be cancelled. We are currently looking at rescheduling a date and will be in touch as soon as we have any news.
Thanks for your understanding and apologies to those concerned for any inconvenience.
Best wishes,
MPO Team
September 10, 2007 This Is Not A Test
The Alarm MMVII - This Is Not A Test
The Alarm MMVII release the latest installation in the Counter Attack Collective this weekend entitled 'This Is Not A Test'. The CD's should all be landing in your post box as we speak........ so look out!!!!!!!!
The brand new video for featured song 'The Alarm Calling' is now available for viewing at www.thealarm.com
This latest mini album features the following tracklisting:
THIS IS NOT A TEST THE ALARM CALLING COME ON WATCHING ME WATCHING YOU WATCHING THEM WATCHING US STATE OF EMERGENCY THE ALL CLEAR
The band performed a storming set at Glasgow ABC this weekend and started with 'This Is Not A Test' / 'The Alarm Calling'...... Mike and the band are jetting off to the USA this week top to appear at Union County Music Fest 07 headlining the second stage. The festival also features performances from Live, Fountains Of wayne and The Beat , The Smithereens and the one and only Chuck Berry.….
September 08, 2007 The Peters' Family BBC Documentary: 19th September 19.30pm BBC2W
The Peters' Family BBC Documentary: 19th September 19.30pm BBC2W (BBC2W can be viewed on Sky Satellite throughout the UK).
Following on from the successful transmission of the original BBC documentary 'The Road to Recovery' last year (which followed the Peters family throughout 2006) this follow-up documentary continues with the birth of Evan ap Michael in January 2007 and Snowdon Rocks. The original re-edited documentary is also shown. The documentary shows a fascinating insight into the family's difficult journey through cancer and infertility into the Summer of 2007.
Transmission date 19/9/07 at 19.30pm - (times subject to change due to Rugby so please check TV times on the day).
MPO Team Alarm Information Service Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571 Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577 Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK
August 28, 2007 EP #3
Counter Attack Collective EP #3 is getting close to release. Here is the track listing:
Counter Attack EP#3 - This Is Not A Test
01 This Is Not A Test 02 The Alarm Calling 03 Come On 04 Watching me watching You Watching Them Watching Us 05 State Of Emergency 06 The All Clear
By the way, I just listened to it. It is awesome! Very difficult to describe. I believe some people (including myself) will find this the best one yet.
August 13, 2007 Mike and The Alarm MMVII Fight back at Bristol Academy!
Don't miss Glasgow ABC on 8th September
Mike and The Alarm MMVII Fight back at Bristol Academy! Don't miss Glasgow ABC on 8th September Photographs BY JULES ANNAN
SAT 8th September 2007 Glasgow Carling Academy DOORS 7PM [Curfew 11pm] Location: 121 Eglinton St, Glasgow, G5 9NT, UK - 0141 418 3000 http://www.glasgow-academy.co.uk/
MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK
August 05, 2007 Mike Peters and Wales' National Treasures BBC 2 TV Wales Tuesday August 7th 7.30pm
National Treasures broadcast on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm on BBC 2 Wales.
Mike Peters’ national treasure is next week…August 7th.
The series will conclude on August 28th, when there’ll be a countdown of the top ten treasures as voted for by viewers, and revealing which treasures has been voted our National Treasure.
Other items include the Nursing Shawl, the Lovespoon, a giant sea turtle, the coracle and a painting by Van Gogh.
August 04, 2007 Fight Back Video (From Counterattack Collective E.P. #2)
August 04, 2007 The Alarm MMVI Sat August 4th Bristol Academy
The Alarm MMVI Sat August 4th Bristol Academy Frogmore Street, Bristol BS1 5NA Tel: 0117 927 9227
Doors 7pm The Alarm MMVI on stage 8.30pm Curfew 11pm
August 03, 2007 The Alarm - The Counter Attack Strategy Gets Under Way..........
The Alarm MMVII hosted a magnificent first concert of the 'Counter Attack Strategy UK Tour' at Birmingham Carling Academy on Saturday 28th 2007 (see below). Beginning with the first two tracks from the 'Three Sevens Clash' mini album and closing with the anthemic 'Love Hope Strength' which was sung all the way home by the fans. The band were on stage for over 2 hours!
Saturday 4th August at Bristol Academy is also the official release day for 'Fightback' the second mini album of the 'Counter Attack Collective'. Tracklisting is as follows:
01 The Fall Out 02 Fightback 03 What About The Man On The Street 04 War Cry 05 Love Is My Enemy 06 Life Support System
The 'Fightback' mini album is in the post as we speak and winging it's way to destinations all around the world!
The Fightback video will be screened at www.thealarm.com any day now. Watch this space!
Feedback from Birmingham Academy 28th July 2007
Hi Mike
Wow, what a gig last night. Just want to let you know I had a great time at the gig last night. I have been an Alarm fan for over 20 years now, and still love the music.
You are an amazing person. I am so pleased you are back where you belong. I prayed hard for you and your family last year that you would overcome and conquer your illness. I am so pleased you are now back to full health.
I can't wait for my next Alarm gig, it was 20 years between the first and second, but I will be back.
I am now working on getting my 3 daughters to listen to he music, so far so good.
Thanks again for great night. Andrew
Dear MPO
We travelled up from Exeter for last night's gig, the journey was filled with the usual "we are getting too old for this" as we hit one queue after another. Our thoughts turned to back ache, would it be too loud, hope the kids let us have a lie in tomorrow - boring middle aged man talk! Something very odd happened between 8.50 pm and 10.00pm ish, as we began to recapture that long forgotten youth, was it too loud - was it hell!
What a fantastic show, the last gig I saw was in Cardiff last year which was one of the most emotional evenings you could imagine for all the obvious reasons. To hear Mike in tremendous voice performing in such a vibrant enthusiastic manner was a heart warming experience. The entire band were on fire. the drumming was phenomenal and it was great that the songs allowed Steve's talent and power to shine through.
The punk medley at the end transported me back to the Cavern in Exeter and some very happy memories, the new songs were a perfect fit, I have not been one of those longing for the days of the old Alarm and last night it was the songs of the new Alarm that stood out.
My one complaint, Love, Hope and Strength - my wife has threatened to divorce me if I break into whoah whoah any more this morning!
Thanks for a great evening, the kids are now arguing, divorce proceedings are in hand and I am now returning to middle age but it was worth it.
All the best
Ian Martin – Exeter
Just a quick word of thanks for last nights gig took my son Brad (13) to his first ever alarm gig..what a reaction !!
To think I was his age in 1977 and here we are tonight both singing along with that same spirit.
sometimes you look through your childs eyes and see the "wide eyed" reaction .of what its all about. And last night proved Mike is not only My all time hero ..but that he touches the hearts of a second generation as well.
And it wasnt just the Converse boots either !!
The new E.p is outstanding ..the new sound is energetic...the new belief is here for everyone
Mike you and your family... provide all the Love.. all the strength and all the hope thats needed in life ..!!
Matt and Brad
Hiya, Thanks so much for that, Gig was fantastic, Mike did remember and that made Graeme's weekend even more special! Thanks again.. Carlo
I thought the band were on great form and new songs sounded amazing and so full of energy. Mike never seems to age and the energy that he bounded on that stage for two hours was fantastic. It was like being back at the Afan Lido in 85!
Still the best performer and front man in the business – simple as that!!
All the Best and thanks. Darren x
Jul 29, 2007 6:03 AM Hi all,yest another truly AWESOME show last night in Birmingham,no other band i have ever seen live gives you what Mike and the boys do over a 2 hour plus gig,the new songs fitted in so well as though they had been part of the set forever with THREE SEVENS CLASH being a great opener and LOVE,HOPE AND STRENGTH being a great set closer which was still being sung on the way out and onto the street!!!
Mike just gets better and better and unlike so many other bands theres a warmth of appreciation on both sides for Mikes music and for the fans for turning up!!! Just a totaly fantastic night-Makes the road travel so worth it even in the rain etc- GREAT MUSIC,GREAT BAND,GREAT NIGHT!!!!-Mick Thompson
Jul 29, 2007 3:51 AM Awesome show in Birmingham last night - you guys really rocked! And amazing to hear everyone still singing as we left the building, through the streets and into the car parks! Can't wait for Bristol next week!-PDG
Jul 29, 2007 4:20 AM My first Alarm gig last night in Birmingham. You were amazing!!! Thank you for a great night xxxx -Mandy
Fantastic set last night lads... on top form as usual it was a bit of shame that I had lost my voice the day before the gig & couldnt sing along without coughing!! Pete Cole xx
Hiya, Thanks for a great gig night. Glad to hear the new material was so well received, good luck for the rest of the tour. Mark.f
Jul 29, 2007 2:44 AM Awesome show last night guys, Did you like the cd? All the best The tossers from Punk'd
July 29, 2007 The Alarm play Breathe @ Birmingham gig, July 28 2007
July 28, 2007 The Alarm Play "Three 7's Clash" at Birmingham Gig, July 28, 2007 (via Youtube.com)
July 27, 2007 The Alarm MMVII at Birmingham Academy Saturday July 28th
The Alarm MMVII at Birmingham Academy Saturday July 28th Please note that The Alarm MMVI will be on stage at 8pm. There is a strict 10pm curfew. Have a great show!
Carling Academy Birmingham 52-54 Dale End Birmingham B4 7LS Tel: 0121 262 3000
MPO Team
Alarm Information Service
Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571
Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577
Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk
www.thealarm.com
PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK
July 19, 2007 Notable Quotes From Some Of The Artists Involved With the Rockin' In The Colonies Tour
Some quotes from the artists that played on the recent "rockin' The Colonies Tour:
Well what a night! It was great to play again for the fans in my new home town. Mike and I met up at soundcheck and did a run through of "Rain" with the boys. I was taken aback by the dedication of our fans; still to this day ardent Alarm fans, it goes to show the power and effect music can have on someone's life. Of course it was a little disappointing to leave the stool after one song but it was nice to see the old crowd out there. This was the first time I'd really spoken to Steve, James and Craig, three exceptionally talented musicians and all round nice guys. It was interesting to hear their playing styles on our songs and the new ones for MMVII. I took a large group of friends and family to the show. They all had a great time and for some the first time they'd seen me play. The Fixx and Psychedlic Furs also put on great shows. -Twi$t
-Nigel Twist, Drummer For The Alarm (1981-1991) (Note: Nigel Joined The Alarm MMVII on-stage in San Francisco. He played "Rain In The Summertime" with the band)
Hello Peeps. It's the drummer for the Fixx here and I just want to say how much I've been enjoying The Alarm on this recent U.S. outing. Their energy, commitment and craft is unique and undeniable. I think the Alarm show today is even better than it ever was back in the 80's when we sometimes shared the same stages. Those who saw the recent shows might have noticed that we all shared the same drumset. Steve and Patrick(Furs) are real gentlemen and were always very supportive. It was a true pleasure to share drums with such fantastic players. The whole experience was a blast - I get to see two great bands AND get up there on the drums and play our stuff. To quote the DOVES: "It's all good"
-Adam Woods, Drummer For The Fixx
The set is too short, there are too many days off, but we are murderin' them every night.
-James Stevenson , Guitarist For The Alarm MMVII
July 11, 2007 Two Internet News Stories About The Alarm On Tour
Read a couple nice stories about the current Alarm tour of the USA. First, and article about Mike Peters and the tour from the boston Herald:
July 08, 2007 Review: 3 bands take crowd back to the ’80s
…”the night belonged to the firebreathing Alarm”….
By Jeff Miers NEWS POP MUSIC CRITIC Updated: 07/08/07 6:47 AM
Some music from the ’80s is an awful lot like the fashion of that decade — garish, a touch over the top, a bit processed.Some of it has stood the test of time, however. Particularly when you have bands like the Killers, Strokes and Muse reprising the grandiosity and epic, romantic nature of the music that fit the alternative label. U2, Echo and the Bunnymen, the Smiths, and many others made some lasting and impacting music during the me-decade.
A trio of these groups got together for a short summer tour, dubbed it “Rockin’ the Colonies,” and made it to North Tonawanda on Saturday for a well-attended and well-received show. Not everything ages like wine, of course. But for the most part, the bands — The Fixx, The Alarm and the Psychedelic Furs — slammed out sets redolent of the more timeless aspects of rock music. The sort that sounds good 10, 20 or 30 years on.
The gig opened with a stirring set from The Fixx, a group which initially emerged as a sort of post-Bowie, new-wave outfit centered around dramatic song structures and the dynamic interplay between Cy Curnin’s emotive tenor and the smart, textural guitar figures of Jamie West-Oram. Time has done little to diminish the talents of either. The band’s ethereal sound and taut, funky rhythms made ’80s albums such as “Reach the Beach” attractive to both casual radio listeners and hard-core music-heads, and not surprisingly, much of The Fixx’s set was comprised of its hits: “One Thing Leads To Another,” “Red Skies,” “Stand Or Fall” — smart and interesting pop tunes. There also was a healthy portion of lesser-known fare, including the brilliant “All Is Fair In Love and War.” The band was incredibly tight, and Curnin’s singing was pretty close to perfect throughout.
The Alarm blasted through a killer set of mostly new songs, and posited itself as a band very much in the present tense. Leader and vocalist/guitarist Mike Peters has survived a devastating bout with leukemia, only to return to the concert stage stronger than ever. Leading a new ensemble, whose members have served time in several of the finest alternative bands, among them Sisters of Mercy and Stiff Little Fingers, Peters urged the crowd into a frenzy with his enthusiasm. Channeling the spirit of Joe Strummer, Peters strongarmed the band through new tunes such as “Without A Fight” and “Superchannel,” taut punk tunes delivered with energy and passion. The Alarm played its hits, too. “Rain In the Summertime,” “Rescue Me” and “68 Guns” were show-stoppers. The crowd responded with an outpouring of ample appreciation.
The Psychedelic Furs, then, had a lot to live up to, and based on the band’s catalog alone, that shouldn’t have been a problem. The Furs — led by deep-throated eminence grise Richard Butler — brought a pop edge to dark, romantic ’80s altrock, taking the subterranean theatrics of Bowie and bringing them into a slightly depraved underground, where the songs still managed to be conjured into radio-friendly pop. The band sounded fine, even if new material has been lacking for quite a while. The songs — “Love My Way,” “Pretty In Pink,” “Alice’s House,” “President Gas,” “Into You Like A Train,” “The Ghost In You” — still retain the seedy elegance after all this time. Butler is a blast to watch on stage, coming across like some particularly depraved English college professor. Trouble was, his singing — always gruffly elegant, a sort of debauched croak that perfectly suited the band’s epic sound — was not at its best on this night. He was noticeably dragging behind the beat for much of the gig, and though he’s always done this, to a certain extent, it seemed to drag the music down into a miasmatic state. There were moments of grandeur in the Furs’ set, to be sure, but for the most part, the night belonged to the firebreathing Alarm and the musically- astute Fixx.
Concert Review Rockin’ the Colonies Tour Featuring the Psychedelic Furs, The Fixx and The Alarm as part of Molson Canal Concert Series on Saturday night at Gateway Park, North Tonawandas. jmiers@buffnews.com
July 07, 2007 Full Video Of " Three Sevens Clash" now online. First Review Of the "Three Sevens Clash EP"
The Alarm MMVII - 'Counter Attack Collective' is available to order now.
Full Video Of 'Three Sevens Clash' Available Now!
In case you missed it, the full video for the song 'Three Sevens Clash' is now available on the home page.
'Three Sevens Clash E.P. Review By Steve Fulton
01 The Opening This first of the "Counter Attack" CD Eps starts with an intro worthy of it's own track listing. This song has it roots in classic Alarm sound of "Strength", but with a lead guitar added to give it a sort of 21st Century/Retro 80's sound. A Welcome burst of excitement to start the EP.
02 Three Sevens Clash Not too long after the intro starts, this song blasts through the speakers. You'll notice that it is a cousin to "45 RPM" and "Cease And Desist", but it sounds like the most fully realized track of this ilk the 21st Century Alarm have produced. About 2/3 the way through the song, part of the "Intro" arrives again. Will this intro become the "Tommy Overture" of the "Under Attack Project"? Time Will tell. This is damned good way to start this thing!
03 Kill To Get What You Want Die For What You Believe In Drums. Glorious, pounding, drums. Tom toms, Hi-hats, rolls and rolls, this track introduces Steve Grantly's drum kit like no other 21st Century Alarm song. And then, the bass: tribal, dirty, infectious. As soon as the guitars crash in, you know that this song is something brand-new for The Alarm. The lyrics seem to be about "the results not always being worth the means to achieve them". This song is a dark horse for "best track" of the collection.
04 Fill In The Blanks There is a moment in this song, near the beginning where Mike takes the lyrics up an octave instead of down. It's just a small moment, but it's a choice that turns the song into an 80's inspired 21st century blast. It shows just what this counter-attack is all about. This E. P. is about taking it all back. Not just having "courage under fire" and knowing your place, like on "Under Attack", but really about staking a claim for rightful territory. The song is sort of a mix of what was promised with both "45 RPM" and "Close" from "In The Poppy Fields". "Close" was the best 80's song produced this side of 1986, and "45 RPM" was an homage to what inspired it all. This song takes all of that, mashes it up, and serves on tray suitable for the 21st century.
05 Zeros And Ones At 20 seconds or so, this song blows in like an old Redd Kross tune, questions the virtual word, then disappears as soon as it arrived. Was it real? For you it's just zeros and ones, so you'll have to have to figure it out yourself.
06 Love Hope And Strength Honestly, you have not heard an "Alarm" song like this in 23 years. I know, I say that all the time, and I mean it, but this time someone else might agree. The drumming, harmonica, and vocals all mix to create the best "sing along" Alarm song since Blaze Of Glory. Sure, it's pure rockfied pop, but when have you heard it sound this good? When has the "finale" song on American Idol or Pop Idol been this flawless and exciting? Honestly, if there was any justice this song would put Mike Peters in a Hollywood Hills mansion, and his face on the wall in Clive Davis' office (replacing Lionel Ritchie). This is destined to be a classic.
07 Broadcast On Street Airwaves The second half of "Love Hope Strength" might be even better than the first. It mixes all the best stuff, layers in some cool effects, and never goes off track. When the song finally blasts back into full form, the wall of sound is amazing and satisfying. No time for amateurs boys, the pros have arrived and are ready for action. I can't wait to hear the rest of these Eps. If the first one is any indication, the band are treading in legendary territory.
The Alarm MMVII - 'Counter Attack Collective' is available to order now.
July 02, 2007 The Counter Attack Starts Here
[50 brand new compositions!]*
The Alarm MMVII - 'Counter Attack Collective' is available to order now.
Order the 'Counter Attack Collective' now and the first two releases will be sent out to you immediately.
The 'Counter Attack Collective' features a total release schedule of seven mini albums (5-8 tracks per release) plus one full length album (12 -15 tracks).
The 'Counter Attack Collective' will also contain specially commissioned 'limited edition' packaging to house all eight CD's once the monthly release schedule has been completed. 'Collective' members will also receive a specially printed set of 'exclusive' badges that will allow each member to attend special 'Counter Attack' events.
Be a part of the artistic revolution that is fuelling the 'Counter Attack' (the follow up to last year's critically acclaimed album 'Under Attack'). Each release will contain original recordings by The Alarm MMVII. A tidal wave of brand new music derived from an inspired collection of original Mike Peters' songs. [Each release will be unique and no songs from the mini albums will feature on the full length album!!!]* The Counter Attack collection will feature a minimum of 50 brand new Mike Peters’ compositions!.
The first release in the collective is entitled 'Three Sevens Clash' and contains some amazing performances from Mike Peters and The Alarm MMVII marking a huge step forward in creativity. The tracklisting is as follows:
01 The Opening 02 Three Sevens Clash 03 Kill To Get What You Want Die For What You Believe In 04 Fill In The Blanks 05 Zeros And Ones 06 Love Hope And Strength 07 Broadcast On Street Airwaves
Begin at the beginning.
By signing up now for this most exciting of Alarm projects you will immediately receive a special bonus Alarm CD 'Punk Rock Medley [Live]' which features Mike Peters and The Alarm MMVII live on stage at The Gathering 2007 careering through high octane versions of '45 RPM', 'Blitzkreig Bop', 'Anarchy In The U.K.', 'I'm So Bored With The U.S.A.', 'Alternative Ulster' and 'If The Kids Are United'. [The 'Punk Rock Medley [Live] CD will only ever be available as a part of the 'Counter Attack Collective'].
Be in at the start.
Each member of the 'Counter Attack Collective' will receive subsequent CD's from 'Counter Attack' every month throughout the remainder of 2007 beginning with the immediate release of 'Three Sevens Clash' plus the 'Punk Rock Medley [Live]' Bonus CD. Each subsequent CD will be sent out to arrive in the week leading up to the monthly 'Counter Attack' U.K. Saturday gigs and completing with the release of 'Counter Attack' in January 2008.
The complete Counter Attack Collective release schedule is as follows:
'Three Sevens Clash' Immediate 'Punk Rock Medley [Live] Bonus CD Immediate and prior to 28/07/07 Birmingham Academy 'Fightback' In the week leading up to 04/08/07 Bristol Academy 'Watching Me Watching You Watching Them watching Us' In the week leading up to 08/09/07 Glasgow Academy 'Situation Under Control' In the week leading up to 06/10/07 Newcastle Academy 'Call To Action' In the week leading up to 10/11/07 London Shepherds Bush Empire 'God Save The Streets' In the week leading up to 01/12/07 Manchester Academy 'Counter Attack' January 2008
SNOWDON ROCKED…Saturday, June 23 Workers constructing Snowdon's new visitor centre have quickly come to realise that this is a mountain where you can expect the unexpected, be it the weather or just simply the unusual. Today, if you were up near the summit you might have caught Mike Peters, lead singer of the Welsh rock and roll band, The Alarm, playing to an appreciative audience. Mike Peters flanked by two Welsh Guardsmen at Snowdon's summit.
The short set was part of a weekend's fund raising efforts for the LOVE HOPE STRENGTH Foundation, a charity formed by Mike Peters, to raise awareness and funding for cancer research projects. Mike himself was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma in 1996 and Leukaemia in 2005. He bravely beat both cancers into remission.
Mike Peters with supporters who joined him on a fund raising walk up Snowdon.
Over a 100 supporters including doctors, nurses and fans joined Mike for the sponsored walk up the Llanberis Path to the top. The walk was kindly supported by the Welsh Guards. Mike arrived at the misty summit and quiped looking over his shoulder: "that was a long way to come to play on a building site." Everyone's efforts in reaching the summit were rewarded with the day's only clearing in the clouds, timed to perfection just as the music started. Mike Peters feeling on top of the world…well Wales at least.
Distinctive with his trademark spiky blond hair, Mike's airy concert included two renditions of the 1983 Alarm hit-song, 68 Guns. The group were founded in 1981, born out of the British punk movement and in 1982 were the opening act for U2. Mike plans to play at Everest Base Camp this October.
June 22, 2007 Message from MPO
Due to the Snowdon Rocks weekend, the office is now closed and will reopen on Monday. If you have an urgent query regarding the weekend please leave a message after the tone on 01745 571571 or email mpo@alarpo.demon.co.uk and we will do our best to help.
The concerts in Rhyl and Caernarfon are sold out. 150 people have registered to walk with Mike up Snowdon on Saturday! Thanks to all of you who have made donations, raised sponsorship and bought tickets, all in aid of Mike's two local hospitals in North Wales as part of the Snowdon Rocks weekend.
What a difference a year makes! Who would have thought that Mike would be performing and walking up mountains! Please call in next week to hear the latest exciting news in the world of Mike Peters and The Alarm MMVII!
Love hope strength
From all at MPO
June 16, 2007 New Love Hope Strength Short Film On YouTube.com
Not much else to say, just watch it.
May 23, 2007 Rockin the Colonies Tour:Confirmed Dates (Sorry Texas & Denver)
The Alarm MMVII and the Psychedelic Furs
Rockin the Colonies Tour The Alarm MMVII will head out on the Rockin the Colonies Tour with the Fixx and The Psychedelic Furs All dates listed below are CONFIRMED. This is the FULL list of tour dates.
07/01/07: Detroit, Michigan / DTE Energy Music Theatre (tickets) 07/02/07: Naperville, Illinois / Ribfest at Knoch Park (ticket info TK) 07/04/07: Baltimore, Maryland / Pier Six Pavilion (tickets) 07/07/07: Buffalo, New York / Gateway Park (FREE!) 07/09/07: Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey / Jenkinson's Pavilion (tickets) 07/10/07: Boston, Massachusetts / Avalon (tickets) 07/11/07: Westbury, New York / North Fork Theatre (tickets) 07/14/07: San Diego, California / 4th and B (tickets) 07/15/07: San Francisco, California / Mezzanine (tickets) 07/17/07: Costa Mesa, California / Pacific Amphitheatre (tickets)
May 20, 2007 Snowdon Rocks!
Snowdon Rocks!
MPO now has tickets available for the Snowdon Rock concerts:
How to order UK £12.50 + £1 booking fee Europe £12.50 + £2 booking fee USA/Rest of World $25 + $5 booking fee
May 06, 2007 Latest News: A Personal Letter From Mike Peters
Hello Everybody,
I am writing to let you know about everything that has been happening since I came back from New York and Empire State Building Rocks.
On the upside, the band and I have just recorded the first EP for the Counter Attack album project and it sounds just like I imagined / hoped it would when I was conjuring up the songs. The first of the Counter Attack EP's is called 'Three Sevens Clash' and features seven brand new tracks that will literally explode from your speakers when the audio files launch in your disc drives........ The track listing is as follows:
1. The Opening 2. Three Sevens Clash 3. Fill In The Blanks 4. Zeros And Ones 5. Kill To Get What You Want [Die For What You Believe In] 6. Love Hope And Strength 7. Broadcast On Street Airwaves
In the next few weeks we will be announcing detailed information about 'Counter Attack' and how and when you will be able to get the music into your domain.
While we were recording, The Alarm MMVII were offered the chance to join a coast to coast tour of the USA with the Psychedelic Furs from July 1st to the 22nd. The tour is billed as 'Rockin The Colonies' and will also feature our old touring friends The Fixx. The tour will play to big audiences and take us to some prestigious US venues. The tour also gives the band and I the chance to replay the shows in Dallas, Austin and Houston, Texas that had to be cancelled when my son Dylan came into the world early in 2004 (see dates below).
The downside to all of this means that the Birmingham Academy show on July 7th has had to be put back three weeks to Saturday 28th July 2007. (Tickets already purchased for the original date will remain valid for the new date). I agonised long and hard before coming to this decision, especially as the date was pivotal to the campaign for the new Counter Attack album but in the end (and with the fact that the Live Earth Concerts to Combat Global Warming take place on the same day), I felt like it would be best all round to move the date. I know that this will inconvenience some of you as we have had the date in the calendar for a long time but I promise you that we will more than make up for it by putting on an storming night in Birmingham on the 28th. There has also been some confusion surrounding the venue for the Glasgow date on September 8th. I can now confirm that the venue will be the ABC Glasgow and the date remains the same: Saturday September 8th.
The 'Rockin The Colonies' tour of the USA also provides the opportunity forour US fans to have a chance to see the band in concert which has not happened in North America for a very long time,(Twist has just taken up my invitation to make a guest appearance with The Alarm MMVII in San Francisco on July 15th).It will also be an opportunity to promote the soon to be reissued 'Spirit Of '86' UCLA Concert DVD which has ben held back to accommodate audio commentary from all of the original members. An official release date will be set in the coming weeks once production has been completed.
I would also like to thank everyone who took part in Empire State Building Rocks. It was a momentous day in New York under the most difficult circumstances caused by the worst storm New York has experienced in one hundred years. The video (directed by Alex Coletti), has been watched literally thousands and thousands of times on You Tube and the audio track that features myself with Billy Duffy, Dave Wakeling and Slim Jim Phantom, was mixed by the legendary Tony Visconti (Bowie, T-Rex, Morrissey) who I last worked with on the 'Change' album sessions. All of this has really helped to raise awareness for the Love Hope Strength Foundation.
A day or so after I got back from New York, I was invited by BBC Radio 4 to record a new 'updated' version of 'Bells Of Rhymney' with brand new lyrics by Welsh poet - Patrick Jones [Brother of the Manic Street Preachers' Nicky Wire] at St. David's Church in Rhymney. The performance will appear in a radio programme dedicated to the anniversary of the song's first ever recording by Pete Seeger (the broadcast date will be announced on thealarm.com just as soon as we have it). The new lyric is every bit as good as the original Idris Davies poem, and I've got a sneaky feeling that a recording of the new version will appear on one of the Counter Attack EP's in the very near future.
Snowdon Rocks is next on the horizon, and I'm really looking forward to it. Some people are going to incredible lengths to help the cause from selling replica cars on Ebay to running marathons in the name of Love Hope Strength. A lot of people have signed on for the walk to the summit of Snowdon and I'm sure all of you who are supporting the event through simply buying tickets for the two acoustic concerts in Rhyl and Caernarfon will be able to experience a great weekend in North Wales.
I would also like to thank everyone who keeps writing in and asking, not only after my health, but in response to the national media coverage of the struggles that Jules and I went through to have children. it is great to know how much all of you care for me and my family. I'm glad to say that I am feeling fit and healthy in every way and my remission is holding firm. I am having a maintenance treatment of Rituximab (this was one of the drugs included in my chemotherapy regime), which I have administered every couple of months. The aim of the treatment is based on new papers that have been published in America recently which claim that continued exposure to Rituximab over a two to three year period just may lead to the eradication of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia completely. On the home front, my new son Evan is four months old now and Dylan is three, I can't believe how fast life keeps on changing and how different the circumstances are for these upcoming concerts. At this time last year I was literally under attack, fighting for my life. Now I'm on the counter, moving forward and making the most of every new day.
I look forward to sharing in all our new adventures together. See you very soon,
Love Hope and Strength,
Mike Peters
02 July NAPERVILLE, IL Festival (Outdoors) 04 July BALTIMORE Pier Six (Outdoors) 07 July BUFFALO Canal Street (Outdoors) 09 July PT PLEASANT, NJ Jenkinson Pavilion (Outdoors) 10 July BOSTON Avalon 11 July WESTBURY, NY North Fork Theatre 14 July SAN DIEGO 4th & B 15 July SAN FRANCISCO The Mezzanine 17 July COSTA MESA, CA Pacific Amphitheatre (Outdoors) 19 July DENVER Ogden Theatre 20 July AUSTIN Stubbs (Outdoors) 21 July DALLAS House Of Blues 22 July HOUSTON Verizon Wireless Theatre
April 22, 2007 Mike Peters and The Alarm MMVII confirmed to perform at MusicFest 07 on Saturday September 15th in Cranford, New Jersey.
Mike Peters and The Alarm MMVII confirmed to perform at MusicFest 07 on Saturday September 15th in Cranford, New Jersey.
April 20, 2007 Mike Peters, Billy Duffy, Dave Wakling, Slim Jim Phantom Perform "Strength" by The Alarm!
Mike Peters (The Alarm) with Billy Duffy (The Cult), Slim Jim Phantom (Stray Cats) and Dave Wakeling (General Public) performing "Strength" on the observation deck of the Empire State building. Mike is a leukemia survivor and this event kicked off his "Love, Hope, Strength" foundation which will raise money and awareness in the fight against cancer. Prior to the performance, Mike, the band and a few friends climbed the stairs of the Empire State building (86 floors). This is symbolic as Mike and company are going to base camp at Mount Everest in October to raise money for his foundation.
April 16, 2007 Article In Daily Express: DESPITE OUR CANCER ORDEAL WE HAVE THE PERFECT FAMILY
Read a major news article about Mike Peters and his family here:
April 11, 2007 THE ALARM - THE COUNTER ATTACK STARTS HERE - 7/7/07
On Saturday the 7.7.07, Mike Peters will lead The Alarm back onto the stage of Birmingham Academy for the first of seven U.K. shows to be played throughout 2007 / 08 thus fulfilling the prophecy he delivered from the stage at the Gathering. "The Alarm will be back when the three sevens clash". Each show will also coincide with the release of brand new Alarm music. A brand new EP will be released at each of the 2007 shows leading up to the launch of the new album 'Counter Attack' which will be unveiled at The Gathering 2008! Mike Peters vows that 'Counter Attack' will be a volatile mix of high energy rock and roll inspired by all that has inspired him. Amazingly, or not so whichever way you want to look at it, 7/7/07 is the 30th anniversary since Mike Peters exploded into life as a musician at the first ever 'Toilets' gig at the Palace Hotel in Rhyl during the legendary summer of 1977. 'Counter Attack' and all the preceeding EP's will feature brand new Mike Peters’ Alarm compositions [Details to follow]. The Counter Attack Saturday Gigs are as follows: 07.07.07 Birmingham Academy - EP Release - 'Three Seven's Clash' 04.08.07 Bristol Academy - EP Release - 'Fightback' 08.09.07 Glasgow Academy - EP Release 'Watching Me Watching You Watching Them Watching Us' 06.10.07 Newcastle Academy - EP Release - 'Situation Under Control' 10.11.07 London Shepherds Bush Empire - EP Release - 'Call To Action' 01.12.07 Manchester Academy - EP Release - 'God Save The Streets' 26.01.08 The Gathering - LP Release 'Counter Attack' Tickets for all shows are £16 advance except for London £19 advance and The Gathering Weekend £40 advance. [Subject to booking fee]. Tickets are available now from www.thealarm.com<http://www.thealarm.com/>or call 01745 571571 / 011 44 [0] 1745 571571 HOW TO ORDER TICKETS FROM MPO/WWW.THEALARM.COM UK £16 + £1.50 booking fee and postage * (London £19 + £1.50 booking fee and postage) Europe £16 + £1.50 booking fee and postage * (London £19 + £1.50 booking fee and postage) USA/Rest of World $30 + $5 booking fee and postage * (London $35 + $5 booking fee and postage) (For overseas Alarm fans please contact MPO mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk in order that MPO staff can offer any assistance with your trip)..
SAT 7th July 2007 Birmingham Carling Academy DOORS 6.30PM [Curfew - 10pm] Location: 52-54 Dale End, Birmingham B4 7LS UK 0121 262 3000 http://www.birmingham-academy.co.uk/ SAT 4th August 2007 Bristol Carling Academy DOORS 7PM [Curfew 11pm] Location: Frogmore Street, Bristol, BS1 5NA, UK - 020 7787 3131 http://www.bristol-academy.co.uk/ SAT 8th September 2007 Glasgow Carling Academy DOORS 7PM [Curfew 11pm] Location: 121 Eglinton St, Glasgow, G5 9NT, UK - 0141 418 3000 http://www.glasgow-academy.co.uk/ SAT 6th October 2007 Newcastle Carling Academy DOORS 6.30PM [Curfew 10pm] Location: Westgate Road Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE1 1SW. CUSTOMER INFORMATION LINE 0905 020 3999 (25p min). http://www.newcastle-academy.co.uk/ SAT 10th November London Shepherds Bush Empire DOORS 7PM [Curfew 11pm] Location: Shepherd's Bush Green, London W12 Customer Info Line: 0905 020 3999 http://www.shepherds-bush-empire.co.uk/ SAT 1st December 2007 Manchester Academy DOORS 7PM [Curfew 11pm] Location: Ground floor, Students Union, Oxford Road M13 9PR Tel: 0161 275 2930 http://www.manchesteracademy.net/ HOW TO ORDER TICKETS FROM MPO UK £16 + £1.50 booking fee and postage Europe £16 + £1.50 booking fee and postage USA/Rest of World $30 + $5 booking fee and postage (For overseas Alarm fans please contact MPO mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk in order that MPO staff can offer any assistance with your trip).
April 08, 2007 Eddie Macdonald & Westway VIP100 - the latest!
Eddie Macdonald & Westway VIP100 - the latest!
Check out the Eddie Macdonald forum on The Alarm website for details of how to join the Westway VIP100, entitling you to great discounts and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to win an invaluable Alarm collectors item. Download four tracks (free only to the Westway VIP100), read up-to-the-minute Westway news (including tour dates) and win an amazing prize. Visit The Eddie Macdonald Forum
March 28, 2007 Mike Peters -Love Hope Strength Live in NEW YORK CITY. April 13th and April 16th 2007.
April 13th - Mike Peters - Spirit Of '86 Anniversary Acoustic Concert at the Canal Rooms, 285 West Broadway @ Canal St. New York City. April 16th - Empire State Building Rocks - Empire State Building 350 5th Ave, New York City. On Monday April 16th, Mike Peters will lead a historic sponsored walk up the 1,576 steps of the iconic Empire State Building in New York city as part of the official US launch of the recently founded Love Hope Strength Foundation ( LHSF) . LHSF is building a cancer support network that will provide cancer patients in need with access to funds for treatment, information on the best doctors, treatments and medications as well as supporting quality cancer research programs. On the climb, Mike will be joined by a group of 'Everest Rocks' trekkers, cancer survivors, family and friends before hosting an acoustic performance and press conference from the Observation Deck at the top of the Empire State Building. Joining Mike for the acoustic performance will be fellow Everest trekkers Slim Jim Phantom of the Stray Cats and Dave Wakeling of the English Beat with audio production duties being handled by the legendary producer Tony Visconti (David Bowie, T-Rex, The Alarm). A host of other musicians and celebrities are expected to join the Empire State Building Rocks Acoustic Band and will be announced during the build up to the event. 'Empire State Building Rocks' is also being filmed as part of a documentary film by acclaimed producer Alex Coletti (MTV Unplugged). Mike Peters is a founding member of the Love Hope Strength Foundation and is dedicating a large part of 2007 towards taking the fight against cancer to new heights. First the Empire State Building then Snowdon and then Everest. Mike is calling on all of his US fans and friends to do whatever they can to support his endeavour in New York City. Anyone wishing to sponsor Mike can visit http://lovehopestrength.com/empire.html and make a donation via the donate now link. Also, in true Mike Peters fashion, he could not resist the temptation to do an impromptu full length acoustic show for the Love Hope Strength Foundation which will be held at the Canal Rooms, 285 West Broadway @ Canal St. www.canalroom.com. The show will mark the 21st anniversary of The Alarm's Spirit Of '86 concert broadcast from UCLA and will feature a US premiere of the soon to be released DVD (the release has been delayed to accommodate audio commentary from the original members), followed by one of Mike Peters' intense up close and personal acoustic sets. Anyone interested in applying for a sponsorship place in the Empire State Building Rocks Trekking team should contact James Chippendale at jc@lovehopestrength.com Tickets for Mike Peters - Spirit Of '86 Anniversary Acoustic Concert at the Canal Rooms are priced $20 and are available from www.ticketweb.com Doors 7.00 pm until 10.00 pm. [Mike Peters on stage at 8.20 pm]. Love Hope Strength Foundation is registered as a charity in England and Wales. Charity number 1117505
March 12, 2007 MIKE PETERS - SNOWDON ROCKS - THE HIGHEST GIG IN ENGLAND & WALES
MIKE PETERS - SNOWDON ROCKS - THE HIGHEST GIG IN ENGLAND & WALES
NORTH WALES JUNE 22nd & JUNE 23RD
On Saturday June 23rd 2007,Mike Peters, two times cancer survivor and internationally acclaimed singer of Welsh rock and roll band The Alarm will leada procession of doctors, nurses, fans and supporters on a sponsored walk to the summit of Snowdon / Yr Wyddfa (the highest point in England & Wales), to perform a very special acoustic set at the summit.
Over the weekend of June 22nd and June 23rd 2007, Mike Peters will host 'SNOWDON ROCKS' a series of events throughout North Wales featuring two further Mike Peters acoustic concerts. The first will take place on Friday June 22nd at Rhyl Town Hall with proceeds going directly to the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan where Mike Peters was first diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma back in 1995/96.
Asecond concert will be held after the Snowdon trek on Saturday evening June 23rd at the Galeri in Caernarfon with fundsbeing channelled locally into the Alaw Unit at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor. Mike (who was diagnosed and successfully treated for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) in 2005/06), is currently being treated at the Alaw Unit with a view to finding a cure under the watchful eye of Dr. David Edwards who has been Mike's haemotologist throughout both of his cancer battles. Dr. Edwards will also be accompanying Mike to the summit of Snowdon.
The weekend is being promoted through the LOVE HOPE STRENGTH Foundation, a charity formed by Mike Peters to raise awareness and funding for cancer research both locally and globally with a series of world wide events that will be held throughout 2007.
Any local business wishing to participate in sponsorship or any individualwishing to accompany Mike on the sponsored walk to the summit of Snowdon should contact Peters Jones on 01745 571571 or visit www.lovehopestrength.com for further details.
Tickets are available now from the following outlets:
Rhyl Town Hall 22nd June 2007 12.50 advance plus booking fee
Please call Rhyl Pavilion Box Office: Tel 0870 330 0000 [Subject to Booking Fee]
Why 'Snowdon Rocks'? "Because you can see both hospitals where I have been cared for from the summit and climbing Snowdon is symbolic of the virtual mountain that cancer sufferers and their carers have to climb with each and every diagnosis." says Mike Peters adding, "Every single person alive in North Wales today will have course to visit one of these two cancer centres during the course of their lifetime, either as a patient or a carer, or simply visiting a friend or family member. Cancer affects all of us."
Why Now? "Now is payback time"continues Mike, "Ibelieve the time is right for such a huge undertaking because science is on the verge of massive breakthroughs in the treatment of all cancers, specifically in the field of Leukaemia with pioneering work taking place in the fields of Stem Cell and Gene therapy. As I can testify, people who had previously been given days / months / years to live are now being treated and cured every day, giving hope for future generations."
Why Love Hope Strength? "Because once in 1995 and more recently in 2005,I was diagnosed with and survived chemotherapy treatment for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia [CLL]"states Mike, "I owe my life to medical science and the skill and dedication of doctors and nurses at two Welsh hospitals - Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and Ysbyty Gwynedd.Through the creation of the Love Hope Strength Foundation, I will be working throughout 2007 and beyond to raise funds for cancer research.
LOVE HOPE STRENGTH FOUNDATION is registered as a charity in England & Wales.CHARITY NUMBER : 1117505
March 04, 2007 The Alarm on Radio80s.com this week!
We just received the following message:
Hello
First let me say that I got the job I have by being a music lover and fan. It just happens that I got to turn my passion for music into a job, lucky I think. I love what I do and want to share it with others.
I wanted to let you know that The Alarms's album Standards is a featured favorite this coming week (starting 3/5) on radioio80s.com.
Radioio80s.com is the best 80s alternative internet radio stream there is out there with listeners in over 80 countries. As a featured favorite, songs from the album and artist in general will be played more frequently throughout the week.
I would be happy to offer you a free soundpass which will allow you to listen to radioio commercial free just email me at jay@radioio80s.com. Anything you could do to pass the word along about being The Alarm being a featured favorite would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Jay Cumbie Music Director radioio80s.com radioio80spop.com
Jay Cumbie Music Fan Music Director radioio80s.com radioio80spop.com The best internet radio there is!! Email me at jay@radioio.com for a free commercial free soundpass!!
March 02, 2007 Mike Peters and The Alarm MMVII commit to Burberry Workers Concert
Mike Peters and The Alarm MMVII commit to Burberry Workers Concert
THE ALARM MMVII, GOLDIE LOOKIN' CHAIN, THE AUTOMATIC, GRUFF RHYS (SUPER FURRY ANIMALS) COMMIT TO BURBERRY WORKERS CONCERT MARCH 24TH at YSTRAD LEISURE CENTRE, RHONDDA CYNON TAFF
The Pop Factory in Porth plan to show their support for the Burberry workers and their families with a star-studded concert at the Ystrad Rhondda Leisure Centre on March 24th, just six days prior to the planned closure of the factory. Top Welsh rock artistes, including Welsh Legends The Alarm, chart-toppers The Automatic, Goldie Lookin' Chain, Gruff Rhys from The Super Furry Animals are amongst the first big names to commit to playing at the event.
Burberry¹s decision to close the factory in Treorchy next month and transferring jobs to the Far East, with the loss of 300 jobs, has seen the Burberry workers mount a fierce worldwide campaign to save their factory, and brought massive protests across Wales and the UK. Many internationally renowned names, including singer Sir Tom Jones, actors Rhys Ifans, Ioan Gruffudd and Emma Thompson, Morrisey, Charlotte Church, Max Boyce, Bryn Terfel, Bloc Party and even Borat, Sacha Baron Cohen¹s alter ego, have signed the protest petitions and pledged their support to keep the factory open.
Emyr Afan, Managing Director of The Pop Factory said: "As a factory in the Rhondda we are aware of the importance of protecting and supporting the community around us, just like the great Corona works did before us. The proposed closure of the Burberry factory at a time when their company is announcing £165m in profits is a real slap in the face to their loyal workforce in Wales. We at the Pop Factory know no better way to bring the plight of these workers to a greater awareness here and abroad than through a rock concert with some of Wales' finest artists. All artists will appear for free and all the proceeds will be donated to a trust created to support the families of the workers at this uncertain time in their lives"
Leighton Andrews, AM for the Rhondda said; 'The campaign by Burberry workers in Treorchy to protect their jobs and their community has stirred people's hearts across the world. I am delighted that the Pop Factory is taking the initiative to arrange this concert.'
Chris Bryant, MP Rhondda commented: ³The campaign to keep Burberry British is not just about saving jobs in the Rhondda. It's about showing that a great British company doesn't just make great British profits, it shares great British values of fair play, fair pay and a fair deal.²
Ticket information:
Tickets are priced at £12.50 and go on sale this Friday March 2nd and are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk , Ticketline UK 02920 230130 and Pontypridd Muni Arts Centre 01443 485934 Treorchy Parc and Dare Theatre 01443 757888 Aberdare Colliseum 01685 881188.
February 06, 2007 The Gathering 2008 - January 25th and 26th 2008!
The Gathering 2008 - January 25th and 26th 2008!
Due to unprecedented popular demand, MPO / 21st Century is pleased to announce that tickets for The Gathering 2008 are on sale now.
The Gathering 2008 will be held on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th January 2008 and will take place in The Arena at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, North Wales.
Weekend Tickets are priced at £40 plus booking fee and are available to order online immediately. The MPO office is closed for one week and will reopen for telephone bookings from Monday the 12th of February. Please call 01745 571571.
Read on to hear all about the resounding success of this year's event. Mike Peters' Gathering was the first ever concert to be held in The Arena at the brand new purpose built theatre complex - Venue Cymru. A moment in history! Here's to a spectacular Gathering in 2008!
Early booking is advised. Each year, the Gathering sells out quicker than ever!
Gathering tickets and hotels are available to order now:
The Gathering Ticket Hotline 01745 571571 The Grand Hotel 01492 876245 Llandudno Tourist Board 01492 575946
Weekend Gathering 15 Ticket: UK £40 + £1 p and p Europe £40 + £2 p and p USA/Rest of World £40 + £2 p and p (Xchange rate applied at daily rate of order)
Summary
WHAT THE FANS SAY ? REPORTS FLOWING IN ? GATHERING 15
Yeah, wow! my first gathering - haven't seen mike play live since hammersmith palais in 84. came all the way from australia for G15 and was well worth it. about to get on the plane for 24 hours now but i think cease & desist is still ringing in my ears. that and the 45rpm punk medley were the highlights of the highlights - and also getting up on my brother's shoulders to enjoy spirit of 76 from above the crowd. already thinking about making the long trip again for next year. have got some good video of spirit and also mike exiting to the crowd singing blaze of glory, as well as the opening of superchannel from sat. will put it up on youtube when i get back to sydney and then post a link.
"All cards are marked and all fates will collide!" maffa
WHAT A WEEKEND! I just arrived home feel tired and shattered, it was a great weekend, and mike was on top form, looking and sounding great, for those who weren?t there, shame on you, don?t miss next year, Phil Cox
It was my first gathering and didn't know what to expect, but it was absolutly fantastic. The only problem is that now i'm on such a low! j
It doesn't happen very often that i'm compelled to use e-mail but now is one of those times, I have over the years been fortunate enough to witness all but one of the gatherings since 12th December 1992 at Rhyl town hall, This year will go down as the best ever boys you were fantstic. Friday night I was stood by Peter as you came out Mike and when you played "without a fight" i can honestly say i've never felt so emotional at a gig in my life i dont know who filled up the most me or "the voice of the MPo" Saturday must rival any Alarm gig Ive ever witnessed (and that's a few ) so from one local boy to another thanks and " never give up the fight " LOve n Life TIZZER, JEN, DYLAN & CAITLIN "flying the flag"
Wow,my first ever gathering and please let there be more,watched the lads loads in the 80s then marriage and kids kicked in now ive been reborn. my ears like everyone else has said were ringing for hours, the punk montage was unbelievable and spirit at the end will live with me forever.steve wiggal was superb and im still laughing now thinking of him running on during the kids are united. another highlight had to be the bowie fan at the grand after sat gig what a legend.hope to see you when all the sevens meet....... i still believe a man can change his own destinyyoung belly 66
hi mpo,just a note to thank everybody involved in making the gathering 15 so memorable,a fantastic weekend,keep up the good work! clive and karen hartley,burnley,lancs.
Hi i just got back from the gatheing, it was my first time there and i loved it! the accoustic night was amazing, i was totally blown away! the electric night totally rocked, everyone just went mad! it was insane but great! when i heard mike and james talking about their battles with cancer and the resulting foundation i was so impressed, they'd both been through so much and all they were thinking about were other people, you don't see that very often anymore! erica
I have never found myself in this position before, and I have never felt the need to be. I have just returned home from a truly fantastic weekend at "The Gathering. I could not believe the atmosphere, how friendly everyone involved was, and how personnel you made the whole event. I stood there with tears in my eyes Saturday night, and words cannot not explain how I felt, I still don't really understand it now. I just feel I need to say thank you and I although I may be a little later then many others I have discovered "the alarm". Sara W
I just thought I'd write a note to say how much I enjoyed The Gathering. In particular Friday night was absolutely brilliant and then the band were on fine form on Saturday night. Tim
Hi all at MPO, That was amazing, the best Saturday night ever. Please pass my thanks on to all band members. Thanks for a night that will stay in my head forever. Simon and Gaynor
Dear Jules , Mike and team! Just a quick note to say thanks for an outstanding night on Saturday evening.The sound, the songs and the energy was fantastic. The Gathering matures beautifully and the fans continue to get what they want! Regards.Gary
Just wanted to thank you all for a fab night on Saturday Mike was brilliant and certainly gave his all to the crowd, he now has a new fan! Louise x
A fantastic set (incidently, inluding 68 guns,spirit of 76 & wwyhwtsb which were played in the round on friday) found the whole show incredibly upbeat an full of optimism
Brilliant! Brilliant and Brilliant. Friday night i thought was a great night but Saturdays has to go down as one of my all time favourite Gathering nights (and I have been to most). Me and my mate Lee were down the front from the start (as normal) and it was intense in there. The fact that the songs were all full on energy ones meant we never had time to catch our breath. At one point I said to myself "Please play a slow one". As for the punk cover,it went mental and was amazing seeing everyone feel 20 years younger again.Roll on number 16. North Wales Stokie This is my life (and I am used to it)
Awesome - Only word for it !!!!! Band played for 3 hours and talk about energy. ?Walk Forever
Oh My GOD Nearly three hours of moshing, hard rocking, kiss-assing Alarm at its very best. That was the best Alarm gig i have ever been to ( out of 53 ) As the band matures, the tracks sound even better. I may still have Cease and Desist ringing in my ears, and can't hear anything, but it was soooooooooooo worth it. Im sure Stuart Adamson enjoyed it from the wings with a drink and a guitar in his hands. Thanks boys for a truely amazing weekend. EII
After arriving back home following my annual Sunday trek from Llandudno to London to New York City, I still have a smile on my face and the ringing in my ears from an absolutely blistering set on Saturday. I'll write more after some sleep, but I wanted to say that besides the cracking set on Satursay, the highlight for me was seeing Mike look so fit and energetic and ready to rock all night. When you consider the mood of last year's Gathering and compare it to this year, the turnaround is nothing short of amazing. The band blasted through song after song with little or no breaks. Mike in fine voice and good spirits. He was jumping around, running from one end of the stage to the other, and still had plenty left for the punk montage near the end. That was the biggest highlight for me.
Tim Nothing lasts forever is all they seem to tell you when you're young
Just wanted to say what a truly fantastic weekend,two remarkable gigs by Mike and the boys that had everything any fan could of wanted. For me this was the best Gathering ever and that?s saying something because every one of the 12 i have been to has been great!!! The setlists were perfect in my personal opinion and i have never heard Mike sound as good and the band on Saturday night where excellent!!! Just the whole weekend was a truly great experience and a massive thankyou to Mike(and the band),Jules and EVERYONE ay MPO(peter&dorothy) and those connected in anyway to the event for making this such a celebration and making the Gathering a event like no other in the music calender!!!!! Roll on Gathering 16!!!!!!!!!!! Great to see everyone and so many familiar faces!!-Take care-Mick Thompson(Rochdale)
THE GATHERING 2007
ACOUSTIC - FRIDAY 26TH JANUARY 2007 - WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES!
What a difference a year makes ............. 365 days ago at The Gathering 2006, Mike Peters was singing with his back to the wall, facing up to the fight of his life. This year he returned to the 'ring' - a champion. In remission and a new father to boot, he even entered the arena like a boxer with a searchlight picking him out as he walked through the crowd. What it must be like to walk through the 'wall of emotion' that greeted his first steps onto the stage only Mike Peters must know but to be there and to be a part if it is an experience never to be forgotten.
?
The fear that was all to prevalent in the air last year has been replaced by a feeling of optimism that is epitomised in the song 'Without A Fight', a song that has been taken to heart by every member of this extended Peters' family. What a way to start a gig, what a way to celebrate life. 'Spirit Of '76' sounded great second, it was a shock to hear the song so early in the evening but its internal story of ordinary people dealing with life's difficulties was in keeping with the theme of the evening.
?
Mike looked great on stage, singing his heart out as 'One Step Closer To Home' evoked images of Mike's year on the road to recovery, "He would bend in the wind take in anything" went the lyric. 'Close' followed, sung beautifully between the octaves, deep and rich for the verse and high on emotion for the chorus, the audience are also perfectly in tune knowing every single word as well as Mike himself.
?
A blast of silver harmonica introduced us to 'The Deceiver' which may have been written for different times than these but is certainly not out of place in 2007. The lyric carries the song, the crowd take the chorus "you are not welcome in my life" sings Mike Peters and you know that he "means it maaaan!"
'Up For Murder' reminds us of the acoustic foundation that is at the core of all things Mike Peters and The Alarm before we are again surprised by the sound and fury of an acoustic '68 Guns'. I have to say that Mike Peters deserves credit for never backing out of his 'signature' song. Every time I have seen him sing it (and it has been a lot believe me), he always sings it as if his life depends on it. This time we are treated to a full length version with harmonica solo's and middle section included, it is as rousing as ever. 'Walk Forever By My Side' and 'Strength' are sung with the same intensity and conviction.
?
Mike talks about his year and describes his new life in song by singing 'No Better Than This' followed by 'Back Into The System', Mike looked like he really enjoyed singing this one and had obviously worked on it in advance, his acoustic playing was superb, rhythmic and precise. Mike took ownership of 'Rocking In The Freeworld' before giving us a subterranean 'folk rock' blues version of 'The Message' which was quite simply stunning.
?
It was a pleasure to hear 'This Is Life [Get Used To It]' which is one of the undiscovered gems on 'Under Attack', a superb lyric brilliantly executed live for the first time ever by Mr. P, it went down a storm aswell. 'Cease And Desist' was fast and furious and echoed Mike Peters punk rock beginnings, he even threw in a bum chord for good measure! 'Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke?' made the connection between the past and the present complete.
?
The love, hope and strength was rising and we were again transported back in time with a storming acoustic version of The Alarm's classic early 1980's encore - 'Maggie May' complete with 'Stand Down Margaret / Maggie's Farm' crammed into the middle section, 'Knocking On Heaven's Door' and 'We Are The Light' brought the evening to a close and as the last chord was played, Mike stood centre stage arm's aloft as thousands of people cheered from all four sides of the new arena. Mike had been on stage for a good hour and 40 minutes but still couldn't resist taking his guitar back off the roadie and blasting out 'Blaze Of Glory'..... What a difference a year makes indeed!!!
?
WITHOUT A FIGHT SPIRIT OF '76 ONE STEP CLOSER TO HOME CLOSE THE DECEIVER UP FOR MURDER 68 GUNS WALK FOREVER BY MY SIDE STRENGTH NO BETTER THAN THIS BACK INTO THE SYSTEM ROCKING IN THE FREEWORLD THE MESSAGE THIS IS LIFE (GET USED TO IT) CEASE AND DESIST WHERE WERE YOU HIDING? MAGGIE MAE (STAND DOWN MARGARET / MAGGIE'S FARM) KNOCKING ON HEAVEN'S DOOR WE ARE THE LIGHT BLAZE OF GLORY
?
Report : Dave Jones Photos : Jeff Pitt Fri Jan 26th 2007 Venue Cymru, Llandudno
February 05, 2007 WHAT THE FANS SAY – REPORTS FLOWING IN – GATHERING 15
WHAT THE FANS SAY – REPORTS FLOWING IN – GATHERING 15
Yeah, wow! my first gathering - haven't seen mike play live since hammersmith palais in 84. came all the way from australia for G15 and was well worth it. about to get on the plane for 24 hours now but i think cease & desist is still ringing in my ears. that and the 45rpm punk medley were the highlights of the highlights - and also getting up on my brother's shoulders to enjoy spirit of 76 from above the crowd. already thinking about making the long trip again for next year. have got some good video of spirit and also mike exiting to the crowd singing blaze of glory, as well as the opening of superchannel from sat. will put it up on youtube when i get back to sydney and then post a link.
"All cards are marked and all fates will collide!" maffa
WHAT A WEEKEND! I just arrived home feel tired and shattered, it was a great weekend, and mike was on top form, looking and sounding great, for those who weren’t there, shame on you, don’t miss next year, Phil Cox
It was my first gathering and didn't know what to expect, but it was absolutly fantastic. The only problem is that now i'm on such a low! j
It doesn't happen very often that i'm compelled to use e-mail but now is one of those times, I have over the years been fortunate enough to witness all but one of the gatherings since 12th December 1992 at Rhyl town hall, This year will go down as the best ever boys you were fantstic. Friday night I was stood by Peter as you came out Mike and when you played "without a fight" i can honestly say i've never felt so emotional at a gig in my life i dont know who filled up the most me or "the voice of the MPo" Saturday must rival any Alarm gig Ive ever witnessed (and that's a few ) so from one local boy to another thanks and " never give up the fight " LOve n Life TIZZER, JEN, DYLAN & CAITLIN "flying the flag"
Wow,my first ever gathering and please let there be more,watched the lads loads in the 80s then marriage and kids kicked in now ive been reborn. my ears like everyone else has said were ringing for hours, the punk montage was unbelievable and spirit at the end will live with me forever.steve wiggal was superb and im still laughing now thinking of him running on during the kids are united. another highlight had to be the bowie fan at the grand after sat gig what a legend.hope to see you when all the sevens meet....... i still believe a man can change his own destinyyoung belly 66
hi mpo,just a note to thank everybody involved in making the gathering 15 so memorable,a fantastic weekend,keep up the good work! clive and karen hartley,burnley,lancs.
Hi i just got back from the gatheing, it was my first time there and i loved it! the accoustic night was amazing, i was totally blown away! the electric night totally rocked, everyone just went mad! it was insane but great! when i heard mike and james talking about their battles with cancer and the resulting foundation i was so impressed, they'd both been through so much and all they were thinking about were other people, you don't see that very often anymore! erica
I have never found myself in this position before, and I have never felt the need to be. I have just returned home from a truly fantastic weekend at "The Gathering. I could not believe the atmosphere, how friendly everyone involved was, and how personnel you made the whole event. I stood there with tears in my eyes Saturday night, and words cannot not explain how I felt, I still don't really understand it now. I just feel I need to say thank you and I although I may be a little later then many others I have discovered "the alarm". Sara W
I just thought I'd write a note to say how much I enjoyed The Gathering. In particular Friday night was absolutely brilliant and then the band were on fine form on Saturday night. Tim
Hi all at MPO, That was amazing, the best Saturday night ever. Please pass my thanks on to all band members. Thanks for a night that will stay in my head forever. Simon and Gaynor
Dear Jules , Mike and team! Just a quick note to say thanks for an outstanding night on Saturday evening.The sound, the songs and the energy was fantastic. The Gathering matures beautifully and the fans continue to get what they want! Regards.Gary
Just wanted to thank you all for a fab night on Saturday Mike was brilliant and certainly gave his all to the crowd, he now has a new fan! Louise x
A fantastic set (incidently, inluding 68 guns,spirit of 76 & wwyhwtsb which were played in the round on friday) found the whole show incredibly upbeat an full of optimism
Brilliant! Brilliant and Brilliant. Friday night i thought was a great night but Saturdays has to go down as one of my all time favourite Gathering nights (and I have been to most). Me and my mate Lee were down the front from the start (as normal) and it was intense in there. The fact that the songs were all full on energy ones meant we never had time to catch our breath. At one point I said to myself "Please play a slow one". As for the punk cover,it went mental and was amazing seeing everyone feel 20 years younger again.Roll on number 16. North Wales Stokie This is my life (and I am used to it)
Awesome - Only word for it !!!!! Band played for 3 hours and talk about energy. ‘Walk Forever
Oh My GOD Nearly three hours of moshing, hard rocking, kiss-assing Alarm at its very best. That was the best Alarm gig i have ever been to ( out of 53 ) As the band matures, the tracks sound even better. I may still have Cease and Desist ringing in my ears, and can't hear anything, but it was soooooooooooo worth it. Im sure Stuart Adamson enjoyed it from the wings with a drink and a guitar in his hands. Thanks boys for a truely amazing weekend. EII
After arriving back home following my annual Sunday trek from Llandudno to London to New York City, I still have a smile on my face and the ringing in my ears from an absolutely blistering set on Saturday. I'll write more after some sleep, but I wanted to say that besides the cracking set on Satursay, the highlight for me was seeing Mike look so fit and energetic and ready to rock all night. When you consider the mood of last year's Gathering and compare it to this year, the turnaround is nothing short of amazing. The band blasted through song after song with little or no breaks. Mike in fine voice and good spirits. He was jumping around, running from one end of the stage to the other, and still had plenty left for the punk montage near the end. That was the biggest highlight for me.
Tim Nothing lasts forever is all they seem to tell you when you're young
Just wanted to say what a truly fantastic weekend,two remarkable gigs by Mike and the boys that had everything any fan could of wanted. For me this was the best Gathering ever and that’s saying something because every one of the 12 i have been to has been great!!! The setlists were perfect in my personal opinion and i have never heard Mike sound as good and the band on Saturday night where excellent!!! Just the whole weekend was a truly great experience and a massive thankyou to Mike(and the band),Jules and EVERYONE ay MPO(peter&dorothy) and those connected in anyway to the event for making this such a celebration and making the Gathering a event like no other in the music calender!!!!! Roll on Gathering 16!!!!!!!!!!! Great to see everyone and so many familiar faces!!-Take care-Mick Thompson(Rochdale)
January 31, 2007 THE GATHERING 2007 : ELECTRIC - SATURDAY 27TH JANUARY 2007 – WHEN THE THREE SEVEN’S CLASH!
THE GATHERING 2007
ELECTRIC - SATURDAY 27TH JANUARY 2007 – WHEN THE THREE SEVEN’S CLASH!
It was the greatest Mike Peters / Alarm concert ever and we didn't see it coming.
The signs were all there before the show, Spirit Of '76 early on Friday night, The Alarm 7/7/07 type-face on the t-shirt, the punk rock disco, Steve Diggle of the Buzzcocks as special guest, Mike Peters in skinny jeans and white baseball boots and last but not least, the tell tale double safety pins worn on the sleeve of Mike's black jacket both nights.
It was immediately apparent that something special has happened / was happening right from the opening salvo of 'Superchannel', unleashed through the rat-a-tat-tat of Mike Peters battered Fender Telecaster. The sonic assault that followed was simply awesome. The Alarm MMVII coming through loud and clear. 'Rescue Me' and a monumental 'Without A Fight' brought up the second wave of the assault and battery that was completed with a devastating 'Coming Home'. The audience were doing their best to keep up by singing every word back with the same intensity as Mike Peters' all out delivery.
'Raindown' was slick, cool and professional as each member of the band displayed courage under fire. 'Sold Me Down The River' rocked hard and allowed guitarist James Stevenson to stamp his authority all over the proto-blues riff. Mike dedicated 'Be Still' to all the North Wales nursing staff who had protected him during the past year before picking out the 12 string electric intro, the band stormed in behind him as he sang the song with every ounce of conviction he could muster.
'Right Back Where I Started From' was played with authority and struck a chord with every single member of the congregation. "Sometime you've got to stop breathing just to stay alive" sang Mike Peters. 'It's Alright / It's O.K.' was next with the refrain being picked out by the crowd and it really did feel like it was "you and me and no-one else". 'Breathe' followed and the audience greeted it like a long lost friend. It hasn't been played electric for a long time and was a reminder to all that Mike Peters has produced high quality material all through the many eras of his thirty years in rock and roll.
'Rain In The Summertime' segued perfectly into '21st Century' which began with the tumbling rhythm of Steve Grantley's drums and Craig Adams deep bass rumble. The audience had their part to play too, as Mike Peters and James Stevenson launched the guitar riffs left and right of centre. As the song began to fade, Mike Peters strapped on his trusty black Gibson J200 and strummed the intro to 'Drunk And Disorderly' - a serious slice of rock and roll by anyone's standards with drummer Steve Grantley taking centre stage and battering his double headed drum kit into submission.
The acoustic section that followed provided a refreshing change of tempo and feel. 'The Stand' was like an enormous campfire singalong, 'Bound For Glory' with all four members grouped around one mic was like a session from the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, 'Rise' literally brought everyone together and as the classic Alarm red poppy was projected on the backdrop, the band celebrated the 25 years since it's first appearance on the 'Marching On' single release by performing an acoustic / electric version of the very same song.
"Let's go down to Deeside Town", shouted Mike blasting out the opening chords and off we went again into the electric rush of this amazing evening. 'Unsafe Building' declared itself prior to an amazing performance of 'Something's Got To Give'. 'Knife Edge', 'I Never Left I Only Went Away', 'Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke?', 'Cease And Desist', '68 Guns' and 'My Town' took us to the first encore. Mike came back alone and gave special thanks to his wife Jules for not only giving birth to his new son Evan, but for organising The Gathering without taking a single day's maternity leave!!! In light of all the Peters family have been through this year, 'This Is The Way We Are' was particularly poignant at this point in the proceedings especially when Mike sang the lines "From my mothers womb to the delivery suite, I'm someone that my father was to me".
'Absolute Reality' and 'Blaze Of Glory' featured the band taking time out to pose with the audience for photographers. Some people thought that maybe this was the end of the show especially as Mike had played 'Spirit Of '76 the previous evening and there was talk in the crowd that we may not hear the song but everyone stayed and showed their appreciation by singing 'Blaze Of Glory' as loud and as long as possible, praying that the house lights would not come on.
Mike Peters appeared once again from stage right and said and I quote "We will be back when the three seven's clash". I wonder what he has in store for us on 7/7/07. For now we will just have to wait and see but is there / was there a hint in what followed.... '45 RPM' , 'Blitzkreig Bop', 'Anarchy In The U.K.', 'I'm So Bored With The USA', 'Alternative Ulster' and (I kid you not) a thumping version of Sham 69's 'If The Kids Are United' before returning to '45 RPM' and finally bringing the house down with an electric 'Spirit Of '76'.
If there is a better punk rock group in the world today then I've never heard of them. The Alarm are the inheritors and standard bearers of punk rock today, the true embodiment of the 'Spirit Of '76' and if this gig is a hint of what is to come on 7/7/07 then I too will be there when Mike Peters' prophecy comes true.... "The Alarm will be back when the three seven's clash".
SUPERCHANNEL RESCUE ME WITHOUT A FIGHT COMING HOME RAINDOWN SOLD ME DOWN THE RIVER BE STILL RIGHT BACK WHERE I STARTED FROM IT’S ALRIGHT / IT’S O.K. BREATHE RAIN IN THE SUMMERTIME INTO THE 21ST CENTURY THE DRUNK AND THE DISORDERLY THE STAND BOUND FOR GLORY RISE MARCHING ON DEESIDE UNSAFE BUILDING SOMETHING’S GOT TO GIVE KNIFE EDGE I NEVER LEFT I ONLY WENT AWAY WHERE WERE YOU HIDING? CEASE AND DESIST 68 GUNS MY TOWN THIS IS THE WAY WE ARE ABSOLUTE REALITY BLAZE OF GLORY 45 R.P.M. BLITZKREIG BOP ANARCHY IN THE U.K. I’M SO BORED WITH THE USA ALTERNATIVE ULSTER RIGHT TO WORK IF THE KIDS ARE UNITED 45 R.P.M. (REPRISE) SPIRIT OF '76
Report : Dave Jones Photos : Jeff Pitt/Rob Formstone/Steve Goudie Sat Jan 27th 2007 Venue Cymru, Llandudno
January 29, 2007 THE GATHERING 2007:ACOUSTIC - FRIDAY 26TH JANUARY 2007 - WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES!
THE GATHERING 2007
ACOUSTIC - FRIDAY 26TH JANUARY 2007 - WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES!
What a difference a year makes …………. 365 days ago at The Gathering 2006, Mike Peters was singing with his back to the wall, facing up to the fight of his life. This year he returned to the 'ring' - a champion. In remission and a new father to boot, he even entered the arena like a boxer with a searchlight picking him out as he walked through the crowd. What it must be like to walk through the 'wall of emotion' that greeted his first steps onto the stage only Mike Peters must know but to be there and to be a part if it is an experience never to be forgotten.
The fear that was all to prevalent in the air last year has been replaced by a feeling of optimism that is epitomised in the song 'Without A Fight', a song that has been taken to heart by every member of this extended Peters' family. What a way to start a gig, what a way to celebrate life. 'Spirit Of '76' sounded great second, it was a shock to hear the song so early in the evening but its internal story of ordinary people dealing with life's difficulties was in keeping with the theme of the evening.
Mike looked great on stage, singing his heart out as 'One Step Closer To Home' evoked images of Mike's year on the road to recovery, "He would bend in the wind take in anything" went the lyric. 'Close' followed, sung beautifully between the octaves, deep and rich for the verse and high on emotion for the chorus, the audience are also perfectly in tune knowing every single word as well as Mike himself.
A blast of silver harmonica introduced us to 'The Deceiver' which may have been written for different times than these but is certainly not out of place in 2007. The lyric carries the song, the crowd take the chorus"you are not welcome in my life" sings Mike Peters and you know that he "means it maaaan!"
'Up For Murder' reminds us of the acoustic foundation that is at the core of all things Mike Peters and The Alarm before we are again surprised by the sound and fury of an acoustic '68 Guns'. I have to say that Mike Peters deserves credit for never backing out of his 'signature' song. Every time I have seen him sing it (and it has been a lot believe me), he always sings it as if his life depends on it. This time we are treated to a full length version with harmonica solo's and middle section included, it is as rousing as ever. 'Walk Forever By My Side' and 'Strength' are sung with the same intensity and conviction.
Mike talks about his year and describes his new life in song by singing 'No Better Than This' followed by 'Back Into The System', Mike looked like he really enjoyed singing this one and had obviously worked on it in advance, his acoustic playing was superb, rhythmic and precise. Mike took ownership of 'Rocking In The Freeworld' before giving us a subterranean 'folk rock' blues version of 'The Message' which was quite simply stunning.
It was a pleasure to hear 'This Is Life [Get Used To It]' which is one of the undiscovered gems on 'Under Attack', a superb lyric brilliantly executed live for the first time ever by Mr. P, it went down a storm aswell. 'Cease And Desist' was fast and furious and echoed Mike Peters punk rock beginnings, he even threw in a bum chord for good measure! 'Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke?' made the connection between the past and the present complete.
The love, hope and strength was rising and we were again transported back in time with a storming acoustic version of The Alarm's classic early 1980's encore - 'Maggie May' complete with 'Stand Down Margaret / Maggie's Farm' crammed into the middle section, 'Knocking On Heaven's Door' and 'We Are The Light' brought the evening to a close and as the last chord was played, Mike stood centre stage arm's aloft as thousands of people cheered from all four sides of the new arena. Mike had been on stage for a good hour and 40 minutes but still couldn't resist taking his guitar back off the roadie and blasting out 'Blaze Of Glory'….. What a difference a year makes indeed!!!
WITHOUT A FIGHT SPIRIT OF '76 ONE STEP CLOSER TO HOME CLOSE THE DECEIVER UP FOR MURDER 68 GUNS WALK FOREVER BY MY SIDE STRENGTH NO BETTER THAN THIS BACK INTO THE SYSTEM ROCKING IN THE FREEWORLD THE MESSAGE THIS IS LIFE (GET USED TO IT) CEASE AND DESIST WHERE WERE YOU HIDING? MAGGIE MAE (STAND DOWN MARGARET / MAGGIE'S FARM) KNOCKING ON HEAVEN'S DOOR WE ARE THE LIGHT BLAZE OF GLORY
Report : Dave Jones Photos : Jeff Pitt Fri Jan 26th 2007 Venue Cymru, Llandudno
January 28, 2007 Gathering 2007 Merchandise Now On Sale
Get your Gathering 2007 Merchandise now on sale In the MPO store!
January 26, 2007 THE GATHERING 15: SOLD OUT
THE GATHERING 15 SOLD OUT
Due to the Gathering weekend, the MPO office is closed and will reopen on Tuesday 30th January. The Gathering takes place at the brand new Venue Cymru, an exciting new arena-style venue for North Wales. It is very fitting that Mike and the band should be the first rock band to perform at Venue Cymru.
MPO looks forward to speaking with you after the Gathering with exciting news about Gathering 16. Watch this space!
MPO Team Alarm Information Service Tel: 011 44 (0)1745 571571 Fax: 011 44 (0)1745 571577 Email mpo@alarmpo.demon.co.uk www.thealarm.com PO Box 709, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9YR, Wales, UK
January 25, 2007 Special Guest at the Gathering - Steve Diggle of the Buzzcocks!
MPO is delighted to announce that Steve Diggle of the Buzzcocks will perform a special solo set on Sat night, January 27th at the Gathering.
Please give Steve a warm Gathering welcome and take your place at Venue Cymru in time to see Steve take the stage at approx 8pm before The Alarm MMVII hit the stage!
Mike is particularly thrilled to have Steve perform at the Gathering, especially as Steve’s work with the Buzzcocks has been such an inspiration to Mike in his own musical career. It is also 30 years since Mike and The Toilets supported Steve and the Buzzcocks at Eric’s in Liverpool!
January 25, 2007 Tonight on BBC Wales Today at 6.30pm, tune in to a news story about Mike, Jules, Dylan, Evan Peters and the Gathering!
Tonight on BBC Wales Today at 6.30pm, tune in to a news story about Mike, Jules, Dylan, Evan Peters and the Gathering!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/walestoday/ Catch Wales Today at the following times: 18:28 on Thu 25 Jan, BBC One Wales 22:25 on Thu 25 Jan, BBC One Wales 13:28 on Fri 26 Jan, BBC One Wales 18:28 on Fri 26 Jan, BBC One Wales 21:30 on Fri 26 Jan, BBC 2W
Watch the latest edition of Wales Today, bringing you news stories from across Wales. (Need help with RealPlayer?)
Join the Wales Today team of Jamie Owen, Sara Edwards, Derek Brockway and Bob Humphrys, as they bring you news from across Wales every weekday night.
You can also get the latest headlines from Wales from BBC News.
January 23, 2007 THE GATHERING ITINERARY
THE GATHERING ITINERARY
THE GATHERING - ACOUSTIC - FRIDAY 26TH JANUARY 2007
19.30 DOORS
21.00 MIKE PETERS ACOUSTIC
THE GATHERING – DAYTIME - SATURDAY 27TH JANUARY 2007
11.00 DOORS OPEN FOR QUIZ / REGISTRATION (VENUE CYMRU)
11.30 LAUNCH OF LOVE HOPE STRENGTH FOUNDATION BY MIKE PETERS & JAMES CHIPPENDALE
12.00 SNEAK PREVIEW OF NEW DVD RELEASE
13.00 QUIZ - COMPERED BY MODNUS MODNUSSEN
14.15 QUIZ FINALE AND PRESENTATION OF TROPHY BY MIKE PETERS
14.15 SIGNING SESSION WITH MIKE PETERS IN VENUE CYMRU FOYER
THE GATHERING – ELECTRIC - SATURDAY 27TH JANUARY 2007
19.30 DOORS
20.00 VERY SPECIAL GUEST
21.00 THE ALARM MMVII
Nb. All times approximate and subject to change
January 14, 2007 A Note From Jules Peters And The boys
Dear Everyone,
Just a note to thank you all so much for the immense kindness shown to us as a family by Alarm fans worldwide, upon the birth of Evan ap Michael. Thank you for all the wonderful messages of congratulations and beautiful gifts.
Evan ap Michael is proving to be a very chilled out baby so far, so much so that I have had no excuse but to get back to work and 'all things MPO'. Naturally, working with Mike Peters translates to 'no maternity leave' ;)
We are very busy here at MPO HQ preparing for the Gathering weekend which is only two weeks away! Mike is in rehearsals and checking every detail of the weekend. Myself and the MPO Team are tying up all the Gathering loose ends in the hope to achieve the best Gathering weekend yet!
What a difference a year makes, as Mike commented recently! We are looking forward to a real celebration of love and life this January.
Thanks for helping us through - we couldn't have done it without you.
Here's a picture of Evan at the tender age of 4 days!
Love and life,
Jules Peters and the boys ! Xxxx
January 09, 2007 Mike and Jules Peters appear on BBC Radio Wales today at lunchtime (Tuesday)
Mike and Jules Peters appear on BBC Radio Wales tomorrow lunchtime (Tuesday).
Mike and Jules Peters appear on the BBC Radio Wales phone-in lunchtime tomorrow (Tuesday) to take listeners' questions about recent events in their lives: IVF, Mike's treatment for cancer, and the fact that Evan is Dylan's biological twin. The programme is on from 12-2 pm on BBC Radio Wales Medium Wave 882 and 657 and 93-96 and 104 on FM. You can also tune in live via the programme's Website, or using the 'listen again' option: http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/radiowales/sites/richardevans/?focuswin
If anyone has any questions for Mike/Jules they can email them at any time to richardevans@bbc.co.uk or call 08700-100110 from mid-day for the opportunity to talk to them.
January 02, 2007 Happy New Year........It's A Boy!!!!...............What a difference a year makes!!!!!!!
Happy New Year........It's A Boy!!!!...............What a difference a year makes!!!!!!!
I've just returned home from the hospital where Jules gave birth to our beautiful baby boy who has been named Evan ap Michael Peters on Tuesday January 2nd 2007 at 5:33 am.
Evan [which is Welsh for little warrior], arrived in the world a good 8lb 5oz at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan, North Wales and like Dylan before him, has the traditional Welsh middle name of 'ap' [which means son of....].
I was in theatre with Jules who was admitted into the maternity suite on New Years Eve. We actually celebrated the arrival of 2007 with doctors and nursing staff before finally seeing the safe arrival of baby Evan early in the morning of January 2nd.
It was an exhilarating, tearful and emotionally charged moment for both of us to witness the birth of Evan. A strange coincidence happened at the moment of birth when the sound of Ben E. King's 'Stand By Me' was played in the operating theatre by the anaesthetist (who was acting D.J.)...... it just happened to be the song we sang at our wedding back in 1986. As Evan's tiny voice filled the room with the sound of new life beginning, it was a very complete moment for us both. Our dreams literally coming true before our eyes and ears.
I'm pleased to report that both mother and child are safe and sound and in the best of health.
Evan's first visitor was from his big brother Dylan Peters [now 2 and a half], who immediately wanted to take Evan home to show him his recently acquired drum kit......
And so..... on this happiest of occasions, myself, Jules, Dylan & Evan would like to thank everyone for all the love and support that helped us through 2006 and we all wish you a very Happy and Healthy New Year for 2007 and look forward to seeing you all at The Gathering very soon..................... Let's wet the baby's head with rock and roll!!!!
